R&D Manager presso Lindt USA

Who We Are  

At Lindt, we are a global fast-growing consumer goods company, enchanting the world with premium chocolate. We are driven by our passion for excellence and go the extra mile ensuring that every Lindt experience is nothing short of exceptional. Our collective efforts are geared towards making a positive impact, not only in the world of premium chocolate but also in the lives of our employees, customers, and communities. Our company embraces a culture defined by the core values of Excellence, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Responsibility, and Collaboration, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment where these principles drive our success.

Position Purpose:

This individual in this role is responsible for leading the Product R&D team at Lindt USA and coordinates the Innovation/Renovation process for Lindt brands. The individual manages activities in product development from concept design to execution. The R&D Manager will lead and manage interdepartmental and cross functional project teams of various complexity, scope and size. This person will provide R&D expertise and work closely with other functions including but not limited to Marketing, Consumer Insights, Production, Quality Assurance, Engineering and Sales to deliver to overall company goals. 

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

Product Development

• Manage the R&D activities for new product development (chocolate), overseeing ingredients/formula/recipe development, new ingredient sourcing, specifications and supporting the local and International Marketing teams in innovation/renovation exploration and new product development.
• Stay close to consumer trends to bring forward design thinking.
• Work cross functionally to deliver the Innovation plan in time and in budget. Coordinate and/or lead the NPD subprocess steps to ensure a successful launch of new product or processes and handover from product development to process engineering and production.
• Lead or coordinate the R&D Tech resources for successful trials and first production runs for new products, processes and process improvements to validate feasibility and reproducibility. 
• Responsible for the final feasibility evaluation of the ingredients, products and new technologies.
• Manage recipe adherence of new and existing products to ensure consistent quality, consistent costing and FDA regulation compliances.
• Lead key initiatives to drive the R&D vision in new technologies and pipeline development.
• Improve and build on current product lab and pilot plants to be state of the art facilities, with a vision for creativity and consumer-centric mindset.
• Coordinate and prioritize the resources within the R&D team to support timely troubleshooting for existing and new product processes.

General

• Responsible for hiring, training, coaching and development R&D Product development.
• Participate in the development of the annual budget; ensure budgetary compliance for own area of responsibility.
• Support internal programs to develop talents (i.e. mentoring, cross functional training, interns, trainees etc)
• Identify evolving consumer trends and technologies through publications, active participation in professional organizations, attending trade shows and seminars to support innovation at L&S US., and maintain personal networking in field of competence.
• Create an innovative environment by collaborative approaches with external and internal partners and by leading with passion, intellectual curiosity, integrity and trust.
• Collaborate with peers across Lindt global and outside organizations to develop and exploit viable new opportunities and define best in class technologies.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Skills & Knowledge:

• Passion for product development and working knowledge of the chocolate process (Bean to Bar)
• Knowledge of NPD processes in CPG companies
• Extended Technical knowledge of food processing
• Knowledge in ingredient functionality & Ability to recognize and identify subtle flavor differences in products
• Knowledge of quality management systems
• Strong interpersonal skills required with strong focus on results.
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas, concepts and procedures on all levels of the organization.
• Excellent in project and people management. Capability to lead cross functional projects
• Solution oriented, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong computer skills & Proficient working knowledge in MS Office applications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required in food science or related field

Other Requirements:

• Essential onsite role
• Flexibility to accommodate trails and production on all three shifts