<p>Position Summary:</p> <p>The PetAg Head of R&D is responsible for leading development efforts for new products, product improvements and new or improved manufacturing processes. Additionally, this role will have direct responsibility for leading product development through a formal stage gate process. This position will require proven ability to work with geographically diverse cross- functional team members and third-party resources throughout the R&D process, resulting in collaboratively generated innovative outcomes.</p> <p>Primary Responsibilities/Activities:</p> <ul> <li>Manage and oversee the development of a robust product pipeline of pet supplement products to support the strategic plan. </li><li>Manage and set budget expectations for the department. </li><li>Develop a strong team that can manage deadlines and budget expectations, while creating innovative and high value products to meet market and customer needs. </li><li>Work cross-functionally with marketing and sales to understand market and customer needs and with Operations to ensure alignment with production strategy. </li><li>Use a rigorous stage gate process to ensure appropriate project management. </li><li>Develop a change control process for tracking ingredients, formula, packaging, process changes throughout the manufacturing and development ecosystem. </li><li>Develop raw materials standards and specifications to provide to procurement for securing ingredient inputs. </li><li>Manage new product development from prototype creation through to scale up and commercialization. </li><li>Plan, execute and supervise new product development trials either in house or with contract manufacturing partners. </li><li>Perform appropriate testing to substantiate product claims, food safety requirements, nutritional guarantees and shelf-life stability. </li><li>Oversee the planning and execution of internal product reviews, technical investigations, formulation and process improvement, new ingredient/processing technologies and LCF (Least Cost Formulation) management. </li><li>Lead and oversight of Quality and Regulatory functions regarding: </li><li>label and testing requirements for new and existing products, </li><li>adherence to AAFCO, USDA, FDA and FSMA guidelines, </li><li>compliance with international product registration requirements. </li><li>Provide subject matter expertise to support the development and delivery of educational content and collateral both internally and externally. </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>An advanced degree in Food Science and/or related field is required, including a solid understanding of companion animal nutrition. Direct experience in pet nutrition is highly desirable. </li><li>10+ years of successful hands-on experience guiding product development - from prototype to commercialization. </li><li>Demonstrated leadership and people development skills. </li><li>Deep knowledge of methodologies and pre-commercialization product testing requirements including required testing protocols for claims support, nutrients and Guaranteed Analysis, and shelf stability. </li><li>Solid working knowledge of AAFCO, NASC, FDA, USDA-APHIS and FSMA regulations as they pertain to pet foods and nutritional supplements. </li><li>Product development, formulation, and manufacturing experience including process development and scale up of liquid, powder, tablet, and soft chew formats. </li><li>Knowledge of formulation development software from Format Solutions, prefer experience with ARA Integra Mix product. </li><li>Strong understanding of fundamental requirements for Quality and Food Safety. </li><li>Solid business acumen and demonstrated experience in how product formulations and processing economics impact competitive commercial viability of products in development. </li><li>Ability to work collaboratively with other departments and third-party resources. </li><li>Ability to work with a high level of autonomy. </li><li>Solid computer proficiency. </li><li>Travel up to 15% </li></ul> <p>The pay range for this role considers a wide range of factors including but not limited to: skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, geographical location, and other organizational needs.</p> <p>The estimated pay range for this role is $125,938 Min to $188,906 Max per year.</p> <p>Additionally, you will be eligible to participate in a bonus incentive program associated with this specific role.</p>