Manager, Research & Development

This position is located in Reston, VA

This position is not remote work

US Citizenship or Green Card Holder - no sponsorship available

PURPOSE –

Provide the technical and supervisory experience to assure that research and development projects are organized and executed effectively and efficiently. Knowledge and problem-solving ability to scale-up products from bench to factory.

Understand both product and process, including the training of plant production personnel on product and processing equipment. Knowledge of food product and process development.

To include:

Base Product Optimization: Work with the Factory Quality Assurance, Marketing, and Operations groups to support the base business product line on initiatives such as improving product quality and design to be competitive. Provide technical support for other technical areas such as Regulatory Affairs, CQA, and Nutrition to develop specifications, process controls, ingredient statements, and nutritionals (NLEA).

New Product Development / Innovation: Support the Innovation Marketing and Foodservice team with formulating new products and product concepts based on results from Market Research pipeline concepts. Develop products from idea to final scale-up within factory.

Able to travel and provide technical support at the international factory locations (American Samoa, Ecuador, Thailand, Africa, others). Approximate annual travel 25-30%

Principal Accountabilities –

Supports and drives R&D activities to completion within specified timelines. Ability to work well with others on project teams and deliver project goals on time.

Assure that projects are conducted scientifically and efficiently from bench development, pilot plant, to factory scale-up. Record, evaluate, and interpret experimental analytical data and make appropriate recommendations to supervisor through written or oral reports.

Support factory operations on projects that involve process optimization, quality improvements, and value engineering. Troubleshoot and solve problems related to product and process development.

Other aspects of this position that is required of an incumbent:

The incumbent is required to travel to various company production locations such as American Samoa, Ecuador, Thailand, Africa, and others. Must be able to travel by plane. Approximate travel 25-35%. (International, passport required) and capable of travel for extended periods of 5 to 15 days.

The ability to lead a group and maintain control of the technical process. Must be able to work in a factory environment dealing with all aspects of the product from ingredients to processing equipment to successfully conduct plant testing and commissioning.

Physical labor (able to lift 50 lbs. and maneuver around equipment).

Ability to comprehend written instructions and communicate direction. Possess computer skills: Excel, Word, and able to learn new programs such Genesis for nutritional and cost development.

Bilingual a plus, not mandatory: Spanish, French, Korean

Knowledge/Experience/Competencies –

10+ years of overall professional experience in Product and Process Development.

BS in Food Science or related field (Chemistry, Biology, Engineering)

Project Management Experience with product scale-up and manufacturing start-ups. International experience preferred, but not mandatory.

Creative development and problem-solving skills. Product and Process Development mind-set

Formulation experience on multiple product lines (low acid, thermal process, and understanding of packaging). Previous experience in protein processing is desirable.

Must be comfortable working in a processing plant environment. Experience in both domestic and international areas. Ideal candidate will possess knowledge of product development and be able to make decisions in a production environment.

If you have a disability and cannot apply online, please mail your resume and cover letter to:

StarKist Co.

1875 Explorer Street

10th Floor

Reston, VA 20190

ATTN: Human Resources

Please note: this option is for individuals with disabilities only.

StarKist Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religious creed, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, medical condition, disability, military service, pregnancy and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws and ordinances. EOE/AA/M/F/Vet/Disability