R&D Project Lead

Serves as an acknowledge subject matter expert (SME) and is responsible for steering product development and process enhancement initiatives. Spearheads intricate and pivotal projects, guiding them through the entire lifecycle from conception to commercialization. Collaborates with strategic vendors and internal partners to ensure the preparation of products for market. Impacts and guides technical advancements in products and process improvements while exploring emerging technologies to fortify the organization's standing within the poultry industry.

• Guides, coordinates, and provides oversight for assigned projects, ensuring effective prioritization and timely completion to achieve optimal results.
• Conveys project updates, findings, and recommendations to key partners, including executives and cross‑functional teams.
• Owns, guides, and is responsible for new product projects from conception to commercialization by collaborating cross‑functionally.
• Fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment to enhance team efficiency and creativity.
• Maintains external and marketplace awareness related to new concepts, products, ingredients, and technologies.
• Meaningfully impacts the development of new poultry products, considering market trends, consumer preferences, and technological advancements.
• Conducts feasibility studies to pinpoint novel processes and product formulations with the potential to introduce new products.
• Recommends new raw materials, ingredients, materials, and processes that improve products and reduce cost.
• Documents and accurately captures crucial process steps in product specifications ensuring clear definition of gold standard product and processing techniques.
• Serves as a technical expert liaison to the Marketing and Sales teams, supporting existing customers and facilitating the pursuit of new business opportunities.
• Ensures all R&D activities adhere to regulatory standards and compliance requirements in the food manufacturing industry.
• Reviews and guides continuous improvement opportunities and solutions directed at improving profitability, product quality, food safety and capital avoidance.

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent (i.e., Food Science, Poultry Science, Biochemistry, etc.)
• 8+ years of relevant experience or the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role
• 5+ years of industry experience collaborating, guiding, and/or overseeing R&D moderately complex R&D projects

• Ample experience with scientific research concepts, data collection and review, and identifying and implementing process improvements.
• Skilled at new product launches with a proven track record of bringing products from concept to market.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements in the food industry.
• Top‑notch interpersonal, presentation, and written and verbal communication skills with the ability to deliver clear guidance with patience and understanding.
• Strong understanding and mastery of poultry science/poultry processing, marination, ingredient technology, product formulations, and meat science principles.
• Proficient across multiple technical categories, complex product types, and production lines.
• Expert project management skills with the ability to effectively guide project teams and collaborate seamlessly across functions.
• Strong creative thinking, problem‑solving, and analytical skills with the ability to use data and sound judgment to inform strategy and direction.
• Proven ability to use new technology to significantly improve profitability, product quality, food safety and manufacturing complexity issues.
• Proficient with Microsoft Suites (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Projects, etc.), Smartsheet, and/or related project management tools.

• 5+ years of Plant level Operational experience in Consumer‑Packaged Goods (i.e., quality, production, inventory management, etc.).

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a…