Product Development Tech Manager

Nestle's Research & Development Center is our regional powerhouse driving innovation in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical science. Backed by our global Nestle R&D organization, we lead breakthrough discoveries that are both good for consumers and the planet. Our team of experts range from product developers to engineers, working across our portfolio of food, beverage, infant nutrition, and health science to create leading-edge products and services. As part of our organization, you will use your entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence to unlock the power of food and provide premium value.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

JOB SUMMARY:

The R&D Technical Product Development Manager leads a team of direct reports to support the development of innovative and competitive products which meet Markets/Business/SBU's needs, consistent with Global, Zone and Market Business Plans and in alignment with corporate initiatives.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a Technical Product Development Manager you will use your strong management/leadership, stakeholder management, communication & presentation skills, as well as a high level of technical knowledge and problem solving ability to lead a team to deliver consumer centric Innovation and Renovation. This role leads and plays a critical partnership role in some exciting work at Nestle, specific to our Frozen Meals Brands in the US.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Implement I&R Strategy for the supported product categories via development of innovative, consumer centric new products and processes.

2. Manage resources within the team to provide all support required for product development projects within allocated budget.

3. Drive new ideas to fill the pipeline and support businesses in pipeline or operational strategies definition

4. Develop, coach, and lead direct reports within Technical Product Development function to enable delivery of projects, providing technical guidance to drive innovative solutions as needed.

5. Ensure adequate IP protection strategies

6. Ensure Good for You Nutritional, Health and Wellness and Sustainability strategies objectives are achieved and embedded in projects. Support other corporate initiatives for future needs.

7. Investigate and evaluate new technologies, concepts, processes, products or equipment, and develop applications of findings to new uses.

8. Proactively engage, partner and maintain effective communication with R&D functions, Technical Application Groups, factory, marketing, and corporate functions to ensure flawless execution of the project pipelines for I&R.

9. Comply with Nestle requirements, external standards, and regulatory framework.

10. Apply I2L principles, process and mindset to I&R projects.

10. Maintain/strengthen core product development competencies to build product and process mastership

11. Ensure the technical knowledge transfer to TAG and Factories to deliver product/process mastership

12. Communicate progress, both orally and written, to all levels of Nestle Management.

13. Provide input into development of I&R and overarching R&D strategy/roadmap short and long term.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS (Education, Experience, and Knowledge):

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Food Science, Chemistry, Packaging, or similar, required. Master's degree or PhD strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of Consumer Packaged Goods food technology experience
• Working knowledge of the food industry with a broad understanding across manufacturing & technical
• Previous experience in Innovation, New Product Development or Technology Development
• Proven capability in coaching and developing individuals/teams
• Ability to manage budget and resources

SKILLS:

• Ability to motivate and lead teams to deliver purpose driven innovation grounded in consumer centricity
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset to find creative solutions, take responsible risk and accelerate innovation
• Knowledge of introducing new products utilizing a stage gate process
• Ability to solve complex problems through scenario planning in order to identify robust solutions
• Demonstrate courage and ability to take decisions and lead through change
• Current understanding of market/competitive activity
• Strong knowledge of ingredient and product design and food manufacturing processes
• Good interpersonal/teamwork skills and a good sense of business/technical interrelationships
• Strong communication skills: interpersonal, presentation, oral and written
• Ability to coach & develop direct reports
• Ability to influence the development of I&R, Science & Technology, Manufacturing, and Ingredient Strategies for respective category

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

A proactive independent person and is able to lead/manage/complete projects with minimal supervision. Creative and innovative with a sense of urgency and passion. There will be at least two formal meetings with the supervisor to evaluate the progress toward the goals. There is also the opportunity to work closely with other members of the team for guidance. There will be formal training sessions set up for all new comers to Nestle as well as specific courses required as an R&D employee. The supervisor will set up a training plan, and it is the responsibility of the individual to execute the plan.

SUPERVISION GIVEN:

This individual does not have any direct reports but should be able to lead/mentor team members in projects that he/she is leading.

FINANCIAL/STRATEGIC IMPACT:

This position is in support and service of key Nestle Brand partners - Stouffer's, Lean Cuisine, Hot Pockets, Maggi, La cocinera, Buitoni, DiGiorno, and Tollhouse as well as the R&D Nestle Global environment and other Nestle USA brands

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To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestle. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestle seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you'll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestle home.

The Nestle Companies are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.