Your Opportunity as the Director, Pet Research & Development – Packaging, Process Development, Engineering Design & Rapid Prototyping, HSE/QA, R&D Operations & Budget

A key member of the Pet Research & Development (R&D) leadership team, the Director – Pet Research & Development, Packaging, Process Development (Process Lab & Pilot Plant), Engineering Design & Rapid Prototyping, HSE/QA, R&D Operations will lead multiple teams with responsibilities for delivering the Pet Strategic Business Area’s (SBA) strategic priorities (Packaging Development, Orrville Process Lab, and EDRP) as well as lead critical R&D systems and operations (HSE & QA Programs and R&D Operations).  This role is critical to Pet SBA Seamless Technical Organization efforts to drive excellence in initiative design and delivery, consistent quality and productive operations. This individual will provide scientific and technical guidance, support business continuity and continuous improvement across all aspects of all of these areas. He/she must be a strong steward of our brands, products, packaging, Food Safety, cGMP, and overall Safety and Quality Assurance, model Resonant Leadership within the Pet R&D leadership team, and effectively develop individuals in the multiple teams he/she will lead.

Location: Corporate Offices in Orrville, Ohio

Work Arrangements: Approximately 40%-50% expected in person/onsite presence with approximately 20% travel.

In this role you will:

Coach and develop individuals, managers, and teams to have both the technical capabilities to drive business results, but also the resonant leadership to drive engagement and growthSuccessfully lead and manage a large, cross-disciplinary technical team through all aspects of the CPG product life-cycle, establishing priorities for the team, tracking progress and providing course correction as appropriate throughout the year.Build strong, collaborative relationships with cross-functional partners, bringing technical leadership and driving decisions and strategic alignment through value-added expert input.As a member of the Pet R&D Leadership team, collaborate with peers to lead the Pet SBA’s and the Company’s R&D capability and systems (processes, competencies. policies, site programs, etc).Develop and deploy robust technical strategies to support a diverse portfolio of Innovation, Renovation, Value Engineering and Current Business Support initiatives.In partnership with peers in the Pet R&D Leadership team, manage and oversee productive resource allocation (people, budget, capital, etc.) for Food Product Development.Provide strategic leadership to the Packaging, Process Lab/Pilot Plant, EDRP, HSE & QA Programs, and overall R&D Operations, creating value through robust packaging, engineering, systems, and specifications backed by ongoing research and verification.

The Right Place for You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

What we are looking for:

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Science or Engineering10+ years of fast moving CPG R&D experience. Other relevant experience in tech, automotive also considered.5+ years in CPG R&D and/or Technical Services managing others, with at least 3 years at Sr. Manager level or higherProven ability to manage teams of individual contributorsProven ability coach and develop talent.Experience successfully partnering with commercial functions to drive better outcomesExperience in Packaging Development, Extrusion Process Development, HSE (Health, Safety, and Environmental) Program, Food Safety/cGMP and Quality Assurance ProgramExperience in building or improving existing R&D systems (i.e. FMEA, continuous improvement, lean manufacturing)Experience leading CPG / Innovative R&D functional workstreams from Concept to CommercializationExperience working in a highly collaborative team environment

Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role:

Demonstrated skills in strategic and critical thinking, impactful scientific research, study design, and analysis and interpretation of scientific dataDemonstrated ability to consistently deliver high-impact resultsAbility to continually integrate new learnings with existing knowledgeAbility to manage multiple projects and prioritiesExceptional cross-functional collaboration skillsDrives accountability for self and team

 Learn more about working at Smucker:

Our Total Rewards Benefits Program Our Thriving Together Philosophy Supporting All Impacted by Our Business Our Continued Progress on Inclusion, Diversity and Equity 

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