What are the responsibilities and job description for the Agglomeration Innovations Manager position at balchem?
At Balchem, we are committed to developing and marketing specialty ingredients that improve and enhance the health and well-being of life on the planet.
We have a broad network of sales offices, manufacturing sites, and R&D centers primarily located in the US and Europe. Our corporate headquarters is located in Montvale, New Jersey, and we have annual revenues over $900 million and a market cap exceeding $4.0 billion.
The company consists of three business segments: Human Nutrition & Health; Animal Nutrition & Health; and Specialty Products. We employ over 1,400 people worldwide who are engaged in diverse activities, committed to developing the company into global market leadership positions.
Job Summary
The Agglomeration Innovations Manager will lead a team of scientists and engineers focused on developing and supporting agglomerated powder products.
This role reports to the Senior R&D Manager of Solid Processing Technologies and supports both new product innovation and the optimization of existing products within the food, beverage, and nutraceutical markets.
This position is a vital interface between R&D and internal departments such as Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Sales, as well as a key contact for customers.
Responsibilities
- Champion a culture of safety within the R&D Agglomeration Group, enforcing all safety protocols and demonstrating safe work practices.
- Lead the planning and execution of agglomeration R&D projects, managing the progression of new and existing products from ideation to commercialization.
- Oversee experimental designs, perform technical experiments, analyze data, and communicate results effectively to inform project direction.
- Guide team members in goal setting, performance tracking, and personal development, fostering an environment focused on innovation, accountability, and professional growth.
- Work closely with Commercial and Operations to facilitate technology transfer, troubleshoot production challenges, and support continuous improvement initiatives across departments.
- Act as a liaison to internal teams and external customers, providing high-level technical support and ensuring projects align with customer needs, commercial objectives, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Maintain thorough documentation of project activities and experimental results. Ensure adherence to GMP protocols, regulatory requirements, FDA compliance, and relevant quality standards.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related technical field; advanced degree preferred.
- 5-10 years of R&D experience, including management of scientific teams in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
- Knowledge of Six Sigma, Minitab, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 is advantageous.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage a diverse portfolio of projects from development through commercialization.
- Familiarity with GMPs for food and dietary supplements, with experience in FDA regulatory compliance and relevant quality standards.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and ideation skills with a collaborative and results-focused mindset.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to influence and present complex ideas to cross-functional stakeholders.
Salary : $900
