Sub-segment of high-growth NYSE Fortune company; broad product portfolio, global operations
Play central role in attaining aggressive top-line growth goals via both organic growth and M&A
Newly created leadership role to harmonize two distinct existing R&D teams in 2 US locations, and create brand new strategic innovation / new product development team – you will design, direct and ultimately lead a 30-person department
Build and develop systematic, effective innovation process
Culture is collaborative, performance based, innovative, hungry
We are looking for the best!
What You’ll Do
Provide leadership and direction to R&D Directors
Develop and maintain a system to manage all product development programs / projects, including rigorous ongoing review process to assure timely results within budget
Collaborate closely with sales and marketing team in developing a strong product pipeline of products to add to the existing portfolio
Formulate and implement a long-term strategy to pursue new and emerging technologies
Attract, retain and motivate top talent
Provide technical input on M&A activities
Identify and manage external research opportunities with Universities and other third parties
The Profile
Advanced degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or other relevant technical discipline
Meaningful experience in food ingredients or closely related space
10+ years developing R&D strategies to support competitive advantage and promote entry into new markets
Proven success as a builder and integrator – you have previously built and led a successful R&D team (either from the ground up or via integration of multiple teams) that reliably delivered and successfully commercialized new products. THIS IS A CORE REQUIREMENT
Highly strategic and also a strong implementer, you are both broad and deep, able to lead at the high level while being sufficiently informed to dive into the details
Adept with methods and tools such as Stage Gate, Lean Six Sigma
Good sense of humor, plenty of initiative and willingness to embrace constant change with a cheerful demeanor are all ESSENTIAL
Willing to live/relocate to Elgin IL – this is NOT a remote job