What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research and Development Manager position at Freshpet Inc?
General Description
The functions performed by this position are the leadership of a site-specific R&D team whose functions include the execution of projects by designing and conducting experiments, development and maintenance of our product portfolio, development of new formulas and processes, subject matter and technical expertise for the broader business, recording of experimental data and communicating of results by means of project updates, product cuttings, cost savings and continuous improvement initiatives, and qualification of new ingredients. This includes calculating formulas, producing sample batches in lab/pilot plant, conducting plant trials, leading cuttings with technical information on hand and communicating with Sales, Marketing, Operations, FSQA, and other departments as needed.
The responsibilities of the R&D Manager will include:
Business
- Manage multiple projects and show technical competence in the planning and completion of assigned projects leading to the development and implementation of new or revised products with minimal supervision.
- Record, evaluate, and interpret experimental data and make appropriate recommendations to all levels in the organization through written or oral reports.
- Prepare and conduct meeting updates, product cuttings, presentations, shelf-life testing, and cost analyses to project team members.
- Conduct and/or attend innovation and technical work sessions. Participate as a company representative at trade workshops, trade shows, external presentations, etc.
- Independently organize and conduct in-person benchtop, pilot plant, and plant trials.
- Participate and support QA team in internal audits, SOP development, paperwork compliance, and SQF certification.
- Provide technical support to internal and external customers, vendors, and team members.
- Maintain an accurate notebook and/or digital files of all intellectual property.
- Be responsible for development of new products/processes, cost savings, and continuous improvement projects; and be accountable for these activities for direct reports.
Relationships and People
- Direct supervision and management of R&D personnel at the Ennis, TX site
- Guide and coach direct reports to meet their career objectives and to meet the needs of the company. Act as a mentor to other team members that may not be direct reports.
- Ensure that the company’s strategic objectives are being met by direct reports.
- Independently carry out assignments and review data for accuracy and trends and communicate any concerns to affected individuals and stakeholders.
- Interact directly and effectively communicate with other departments to successfully launch new products and achieve cross-functional strategic project goals.
- Effectively interact with cross-function project teams internal and external through written and oral communications and maintain current understanding of overall project status.
- When appropriate, assist in the execution of experiments, plant test runs, and product commissioning for direct reports and the broader R&D team.
- R&D Director or SVP R&D will serve as back-up to this position.
Work Location and Travel
- Primary work location is Ennis, Texas.
- May travel 0-50% of the time, dependent on project and development location; including, but not limited to: Texas, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania.
- May at times be required to travel to training, test runs, co-manufacturers, ingredient or equipment vendors, suppliers, and testing facilities at odd hours.
- This position is not available as remote or hybrid remote/in-person and generally requires 40 hours of work over 5 days.
Work Experience Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of experience in pet food industry, 6 years preferred.
- Prior supervisory or management experience preferred.
- Strong technical knowledge in pet food product development, food science, and poultry and/or meat science.
- Demonstrated record of project management experience and strong problem-solving.
- Understanding of cat and dog nutrition required, advanced knowledge of AAFCO and FEDIAF regulations preferred.
- Ability to formulate, use standard lab equipment and conduct experimental procedures.
- Ability to drive projects and company objectives with minimal supervision.
- Computer skills with proficiency to construct complex graphs and charts, record formulas, design presentations, and conduct statistical analyses.
- Excellent project management and organizational skills, attention to detail, and capacity to multitask efficiently
- Formulation of pet foods using a program such as C5, BestMix, or equivalent
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work in a team and adapt to dynamic work environment
- Ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
- Responds well to changing priorities and quick turnaround projects
- Physically capable of handling or transporting goods (up to 40 lbs)
- Must be able to withstand occasional cold temperatures (40° F)
Education Requirements
- BS/MS/PhD Food Science, Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, or related fields; or equivalent technical qualifications.
What We Offer
At Freshpet, we offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, basic and optional life insurance, short- and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan with company match, paid parental leave, pet insurance, tuition assistance, a generous PTO plan and so much more!
Our Commitment to a Diverse Workforce
At Freshpet, we embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in age, sex, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique.
Freshpet aims to foster, cultivate and preserve a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our employees are our most valuable assets. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and company’s achievement as well. Freshpet is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Disclaimers
We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.
Freshpet is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Freshpet via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Freshpet. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Freshpet as a result of the referral or through other means.
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