Research and Development Manager

Job Description

Collaborate with existing and new customers on projects, providing technical support including product/application information, bakery/polymer application work, and predictive modeling. Independently and collaboratively conduct and manage application/innovation projects with internal and external partners. This includes ideation, project review, identifying new projects, developing and executing technical plans, collecting and analyzing data, communicating results and project status, generating reports, making presentations, and publishing papers or patents. Develop and implement innovation strategies and tactics that align with commercial goals. Effectively participate in cross-functional project teams, which may include representatives from RD&A, Sales, Business, Marketing, Operations, etc., as required by the project. Ensure the quality and progress of Emulsifier and Polymer application programs through the existing stage gate process. Proactively initiate, support, and coach collaboration efforts and projects between RD&A representatives and Sales, Business, Marketing, and Customers. Enhance the quality of RD&A input in Emulsifier & Polymer related projects by providing technical and industry insights. Translate scientific knowledge into actionable projects and business strategies. Develop and maintain an external network in the bakery industry, including Universities/Institutes. Scout new technologies, assess alternatives, and stay updated on industry trends.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers on projects, providing technical support including product/application information, bakery/polymer application work, and predictive modeling.
• Independently and collaboratively conduct and manage application/innovation projects with internal and external partners.
• Develop and implement innovation strategies and tactics that align with commercial goals.
• Participate in cross-functional project teams as required by the project.
• Ensure the quality and progress of Emulsifier and Polymer application programs through the existing stage gate process.
• Initiate, support, and coach collaboration efforts and projects between RD&A representatives and Sales, Business, Marketing, and Customers.
• Enhance the quality of RD&A input in Emulsifier & Polymer related projects by providing technical and industry insights.
• Translate scientific knowledge into actionable projects and business strategies.
• Develop and maintain an external network in the bakery industry, including Universities/Institutes.
• Scout new technologies, assess alternatives, and stay updated on industry trends.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Bakery Science, Food Science, Polymers, or a related field. Advanced degrees such as an MBA or PhD are highly desirable.
• Over 10 years of experience in technical and product application development roles within the Food, Pet, Polymer, or Personal Care manufacturing industries.
• Extensive experience in customer-facing roles and working within cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products.
• Strong formulation and process knowledge in Bakery, Dairy, and fats/oils applications. Experience in Pet food, Polymer, and Personal Care industries is also applicable.
• Proven track record of building strong relationships with major food processing companies, particularly in the bakery, dairy, pet food, or personal care industries.
• Proven history of successful research in food science, polymers, or personal care, with a preference for those with publications or patents.
• Strong business acumen, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Experienced in management and leadership roles within business and R&D teams.
• Recognized leader in the food or polymer industry through publications or patents.
• Current working knowledge on innovation processes and innovation project management, including awareness of business model development tools and open innovation partnerships.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of fats and oils chemistry. Knowledge of food emulsifiers and their applications strongly preferred.
• Team-player mindset: approachability, good communicator, listener.
• Problem-solving skills, understanding of experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Customer focus, drive for results/can-do mentality: work with high motivation and passion to deliver results.
• Capability to develop and maintain relationships with key customers and technology partners to build innovation pipeline and support sales process.
• Builds on expertise of others and collaborates to drive for optimal results.

Work Environment

Reports to the CEO. Leads a team of 1-2 (Senior Scientist/Polymer Application Lead). Typical working hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM. This is a multifunctional role, supporting the innovation/development/formulation of products to meet customer specifications and support business development efforts as a subject matter expert in the industry.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $175000.00/yr.

Patco Products offers a benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, dental and vision plans, and retirement. Employees become eligible for insurance benefits after 60 days of employment.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Overland Park,KS.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 26, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $150,000 - $175,000