Director Of Innovation, R&D - Spices

Company: ofi
Location: Fresno
Posted on: July 31, 2022

Job Description:

We are a global leader in food & beverage ingredients. Pioneers at heart, we operate at the forefront of consumer trends to provide food & beverage manufacturers with products and ingredients that will delight their consumers. Making a positive impact on people and planet is all part of the delight. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable, and transparent supply. Supplying products and ingredients at scale is just the start. We add value through our unique, complementary portfolio of natural, delicious, and nutritious products. With our fresh thinking, we help our customers unleash the sensory and functional attributes of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices so they can create naturally good food & beverage products that meet consumer expectations. And whoever we're with, whatever we're doing, we always make it real. Position SummaryReporting to the VP, Head of Global Innovation, the Innovation Director will be responsible for leading the efforts involved in new product/process development, improvements and open innovation for our dehydrated spices, vegetables, frozen purees, and open innovations for positioning into all channels. This position will initiate, plan, execute, implement, and report on activities related to the development of new agricultural products, improvements, new innovations, or cost savings ideas. The ideal candidate will be able to collaborate with the business leader, internal cross functional team, and customers to drive the business strategy and innovation to positive business outcomes. This position will be responsible for delivering new dehydrated spices, vegetables, frozen purees, and open innovations in a variety of formats including industrial pack and retail. This role will require collaboration with internal stakeholders across functions and regions. This individual will manage and allocate resources through stage gate and other tools to maximize the business return on Innovation. The Innovation Director position carries with it the responsibility to mentor team members and grow their capabilities for contributing to the organization while coordinating and managing the efforts of the innovation team. Position Responsibilities

• Work closely with global innovation head and BU leaders to implement ofi strategy and lead team to delivering value generation innovations.
• Drive the global spice strategy for dehydrated spices, vegetables, frozen purees, and open innovations.
• Identify and communicate to VP Global Innovation, relationships with outside partners for strategic innovation initiatives.
• Work in partnership with center of expertise (COE) leadership to deliver new plant science, processing, or packaging technologies to position ofi as a leader in the dehydrated spices, vegetables, frozen purees, and open innovations space.
• Lead innovation projects in the dehydrated spices, vegetables, frozen purees, and open innovations area from seed to shelf.
• Work closely with COE Plant Science, Quality Food Safety, Regulatory and COE Processing to develop innovative processes.
• Work with Quality Food Safety Regulatory (QFSR) department, external companies, and government bodies to ensure our products are food safe.
• Lead discussion and direction on project work within the organization and determine the effects of department work on the overall financial picture.
• Use process acumen to drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce manufacturing costs and improve quality.
• Manage the innovation project pipeline and prioritization system for Innovation as a key link with the business team.
• Engage with customers to understand innovation challenges and create solutions that leverage ofi's capabilities and meet overall business strategy.
• Mentor staff to increase their technical knowledge and potential contribution to the company. Provide coaching and feedback to improve performance and knowledge.
• Perform other duties as assigned. Position Requirements
  • Bachelors' degree in Agricultural Science, Food Science, Chemistry, or similar degree is required. Master's degree or PhD is preferred.
  • Ten plus (10+) years of forward-looking innovation, agricultural development, product and/or process development experience; prior Research & Development (R&D) managerial experience is required.
  • Great knowledge in thermal processing is required.
  • Excellent commercial understanding of the industry landscape, consumer, and marketing trends is required.
  • Understanding of onion, garlic and parsley agronomy is a plus
  • Experience developing innovations around dehydrated spices, vegetables, frozen purees, is a plus.
  • Experience in identifying new innovative product and processing methods for food ingredients is required.
  • The ability to interact effectively with various functions, customers, and experience in a team environment is required.
  • Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Access, and Excel) is required.
  • Effective communication skills, including presentation, verbal and written are required.
  • Ability and willingness to travel as needed up to 35% is required. (Post COVID restrictions). Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided based on qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: US-Talent.Acquisition@ofi.comAt ofi, we celebrate our diversity. Olam Americas Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

Keywords: ofi, Fresno , Director Of Innovation, R&D - Spices, Executive , Fresno, California