Purpose of the Position

Responsible for the development of new products and / or improvement of existing products to meet strategic business objectives and provide customer support. Assumes complete ownership for a range of products or customer platforms. Develops a sense of the complete product line integration of the customer rather than just project management. Work is conducted largely independent of the supervisor although they are to be continually updated on project progress.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt position.

Project, Product Champion. Fits new customers into our existing array of products or develops line extensions or product improvements for existing customers. Meets with customers independently of supervisor, with sales account manager to define scope of new projects. Drives the evaluation of target brand assessment and monitoring efforts. Demonstrates leadership qualities with respect to product design capabilities with strong communication skills.

Product Development. The role spans the full length of the product development cycle, which includes conceptual development, formulation, implementation, validation and continuous management and improvement. Products must be continuously improved to remain contemporary in response to target brand changes or customer needs. Works closely with the technical staff of customers or suppliers. Develop, bench test, scale-up, and commercialize new products/technologies in accordance with guidelines established in Project Initiation Request. Factors include product attributes as well as development costs, finished product costs, and timing. Demonstrates product and project ownership to ensure that all parameters are optimized. Plant tests will be scheduled and supported throughout the commissioning phase, with the ability to develop a contingency plan as needed.

Nutritional, Regulatory and Finished Product Compliance. Utilizes existing product formulation approach to assure finished product nutritional adequacy (label and nutrition claim) applying statistical data from key raw materials (z value). Develop a label deck from a master formula which considers all potential processing locations. Manages the submission of products for analytical, animal or consumer testing and summarizes results and next steps. Submit products for analytical or animal resting as required by the supervisor and summarize results. Participates in project teams to evaluate product non-conformance incidence with products under their responsibility. Collects and analyzes information as required to analyze raw material/process interactions.

Process, Operations and Supply Chain Support. Leads supply chain initiatives including formula transfer among plants, evaluation of new suppliers of raw materials, increased or decreased use of existing raw materials, and evaluation of processing parameters. Assists in process evaluation testing as required by the supervisor. Develops knowledge of critical process points in conjunction with the process engineering group. Summarizes results of previous tests and of sequential processing conditions or runs for a particular formula to assist in troubleshooting and data interpretation.

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment, kitchen environment, office environment, and surrounding property. Lifts heavy boxes, equipment or other required objects (up to 50 lbs.) as needed. Will use laboratory/kitchen/cooking equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As needed in required environment.

Travel: Travels domestically to and from multiple facilities or work-sites or customer visits, often requiring overnight stays. Approximately 25% travel.

Technical Experience: Minimum 3 years’ experience in product development and/or technical services is required. Must have excellent computer skills with respect to the Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with Concept 5 is a plus. Will be expected to quickly learn company business integration software suites. Strong data entry skills are required (accurate and efficient). Intermediate to advanced level skills in Excel and PowerPoint as well as experience preparing documents for presentation. Experience in commercial product development and in the pet food or food industry is desirable. Knowledge of nutrition and food formulation is a plus. A working knowledge of applicable regulations in various countries is desirable.

Industry Experience: R&D knowledge in the food manufacturing industry preferred.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Meat Science or Animal Science, or Food Science, or 4 years related experience..

Preferred Education: Master’s degree in related field.

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.

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Simmons Foods

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