CareersInFood.com
Research and Development Project Manager
CareersInFood.com, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Senior Customer R&D Project Manager - Confectionery
Direct message the job poster from CareersInFood.com
Our client, a world class leader in the confectionery industry, is again growing and now seeking a top caliber Senior Customer R&D Project Manager.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management:
Lead and manage complex new product development projects from theoretical recipes to lab prototype and industrial product for internal and external clients. Ensure full project follow-up and completion of necessary project documents, including recipe creation. Drive complete project from concept to commercialization.
Project Leadership:
Provide guidance and direction to the R&D product experts and technologists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. Translate technical learnings and insights into commercial opportunities. Lead also customer projects for PDI or innovations with our Product Experts and Innovation people.
Technical Expertise:
Offer necessary technical support and expertise to vendors, customers, operations and quality when product-related problems occur. Advise the sales team on technical and application matters. Provide assistance to all departments as needed regarding technical issues related to confectionery product manufacturing.
Customer Engagement:
Actively participate in customer visits and plant trials, providing technical expertise and support to drive successful customer projects.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Actively participate in various projects of the Research and Development team, maintaining close interaction with Sales, Operations, Quality, Sourcing and cocoa R&D within the country or region.
Customer Relations:
Serve as the key technical contact for the customer, building strong relationships and effectively communicating project updates, technical recommendations, and solutions.
Market Development:
Identify and pursue new market opportunities by providing technical support and insights to existing and potential customers.
Project Documentation:
Oversee, ensure and complete accurate and comprehensive project follow-up, documentation, including recipe creation.
About the Candidate
Fluency in the local country language and proficient in English.
Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in the food industry, with a strong focus on new product development. Extensive knowledge of the confectionery sector is highly desirable.
Proven experience in leading and managing cross-functional teams. Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop team members.
Solution driven, capable of working under pressure, and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Excellent teamwork, communication, and leadership of influence.
Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to translate technical findings into actionable insights and commercial opportunities.
Flexibility and willingness to travel as needed.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including external customer communication. Ability to present technical information in a clear and concise manner.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, Google suites and Salesforce required. Knowledge of SAP or other project management software is an asset.
Travel Requirements Up to 30% of time.
Salary Range $110,000-138,000, based on experience plus bonus and comprehensive benefits package.
Benefits
Paid time off, plus generous holiday time.
Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility.
An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature.
Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth.
Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm.
This is a growth opportunity with a world class leader.
Relocation assistance is available if necessary.
You must be a Permanent Resident of the USA or hold a valid Green Card to be considered.
Seniority Level Mid-Senior level
Employment Type Full-time
Job Function Manufacturing, Research, and Product Management
Industries Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Sugar and Confectionery Product Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Our client, a world class leader in the confectionery industry, is again growing and now seeking a top caliber Senior Customer R&D Project Manager.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management:
Lead and manage complex new product development projects from theoretical recipes to lab prototype and industrial product for internal and external clients. Ensure full project follow-up and completion of necessary project documents, including recipe creation. Drive complete project from concept to commercialization.
Project Leadership:
Provide guidance and direction to the R&D product experts and technologists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. Translate technical learnings and insights into commercial opportunities. Lead also customer projects for PDI or innovations with our Product Experts and Innovation people.
Technical Expertise:
Offer necessary technical support and expertise to vendors, customers, operations and quality when product-related problems occur. Advise the sales team on technical and application matters. Provide assistance to all departments as needed regarding technical issues related to confectionery product manufacturing.
Customer Engagement:
Actively participate in customer visits and plant trials, providing technical expertise and support to drive successful customer projects.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Actively participate in various projects of the Research and Development team, maintaining close interaction with Sales, Operations, Quality, Sourcing and cocoa R&D within the country or region.
Customer Relations:
Serve as the key technical contact for the customer, building strong relationships and effectively communicating project updates, technical recommendations, and solutions.
Market Development:
Identify and pursue new market opportunities by providing technical support and insights to existing and potential customers.
Project Documentation:
Oversee, ensure and complete accurate and comprehensive project follow-up, documentation, including recipe creation.
About the Candidate
Fluency in the local country language and proficient in English.
Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in the food industry, with a strong focus on new product development. Extensive knowledge of the confectionery sector is highly desirable.
Proven experience in leading and managing cross-functional teams. Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop team members.
Solution driven, capable of working under pressure, and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Excellent teamwork, communication, and leadership of influence.
Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to translate technical findings into actionable insights and commercial opportunities.
Flexibility and willingness to travel as needed.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including external customer communication. Ability to present technical information in a clear and concise manner.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, Google suites and Salesforce required. Knowledge of SAP or other project management software is an asset.
Travel Requirements Up to 30% of time.
Salary Range $110,000-138,000, based on experience plus bonus and comprehensive benefits package.
Benefits
Paid time off, plus generous holiday time.
Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility.
An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature.
Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth.
Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm.
This is a growth opportunity with a world class leader.
Relocation assistance is available if necessary.
You must be a Permanent Resident of the USA or hold a valid Green Card to be considered.
Seniority Level Mid-Senior level
Employment Type Full-time
Job Function Manufacturing, Research, and Product Management
Industries Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Sugar and Confectionery Product Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr