R&D Segment Lead QSR - ASCNSH

Griffith Foods is the caring, creative product development partner helping food companies meet the evolving needs of consumers while sustaining the planet. As a family business founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois USA, Griffith Foods is known for true, collaborative innovation guided by their Purpose of “We Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World”. The company’s product capabilities range from seasonings and marinades to coating systems and sauces that are better for people and better for the planet. For more information, visit www.griffithfoods.com.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

• Functions as a team leader and manager in the execution of technical strategies and activities that support the overall activities supporting the GF China  QSR and overall Griffith Foods business strategy..
• Collaborates with Supply Chain to link product formulation activities to commercial fulfillment efficiencies and production of safe and regulatory compliant food products.
• Collaborates with Sales, Culinary and Marketing peers to assign, manage, and prioritize projects for key accounts.
• Defines and implements Product Development and Regulatory processes and metrics to improve efficiencies and effectiveness of function.
• Supports Innovation activities that support the long-term strategy of the organization.
• Establishes goals, appraises performance, deploys training and provides input into final review for all direct reports.  Coaches staff on job performance and career planning.
• Communicates progress of all products under development.  Leverages methods and procedures for monitoring project success, such as metrics, resource allocation, experiment findings, progress reports...etc
• Implements contingency plan for coverage of key Product Development roles if an associate is unable to perform their assigned duties.
• Manages multiple priorities and timelines concurrently.
• Uses strong technical and problem-solving skills to approach complex projects.
• Maintains GLP's, GMP's and all required laboratory records using electronic systems and written protocols.
• Functions as a Specialist to provide consultation to colleagues on appropriate current materials and suppliers to use to meet technical and commercial requirements. Approves new materials, aids in definitions of WW Apps raw material status and rationalization of category and consults in Quality related issues.
• Communicates internally with other Griffith Foods business units to exchange technical information and project timing.  Communicates externally with customers, processors, and suppliers.

Problem Solving/Decision Making

• Managing multiple priorities (internal and external) within defined resource pool.
• Strategic Prioritization and Account Planning expertise.
• Personnel management
• Proactive technical development and problem solving to support the technical business strategy.  Will vary by client.
• Understanding customer’s procedures, product development processes, and technical personnel to develop products to meet technical requirements of project.  Will vary by customers
• Managing cross-functional teams to gather technical information required to effectively respond to client's inquiry. 

Knowledge and Experience

• BS in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Chemistry or related technical degree. Master’s Degree preferred.
• More than 15 years’ experience in Research & Development within the food industry.
• Experience should include strong understanding working with large and mid-sized QSR customers. Business to business strategy. Extensive experience in working directly with customers and manufacturing facilities.
• Travel expectations up to 30%.