RD&A Manager

The Manager of Research, Development and Application (RD&A) reports to the RD&A Director and is tasked with managing the RD&A teams to deliver projects in a timely fashion. Interaction with customers is required to deliver new product development, drive product innovation while internally assisting with cost savings initiatives and improving existing products. She / he provides technical expertise across the various functions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the RD&A Team to deliver assigned projects. Responsible for talent management, development programs and participate in goal setting and performance appraisals.
• Coordinates with internal resources (Marketing, Business Development, Sales, Operations, QA, Purchasing, Supply chain) with product development teams to project completion on time and within budget
• Leads the innovation process, as well as the RD&A cost savings initiatives from concept to commercialization resulting in products that meet / exceed consumer expectations across taste, nutrition, performance, and financial hurdles.
• Providing strong project management expertise to ensure RD&A projects are resourced and prioritized effectively.
• Manages outside resources (suppliers, consultants, development partners, etc.) to achieve product development objectives.
• Collaborates with Corporate / Plant Operations / Engineering to assure smooth transition from RD&A to Operations on all projects – and to provide technical support to the plants as needed.
• Maintains good record keeping supporting legal resources to manage trade secrets and Kerry’s intellectual property strategy and infringement / defense strategy and execution.
• Works closely with QA and Regulatory to provide current product and regulatory technical expertise and information to manage risk and drive innovation. Ensure all formulas comply with appropriate domestic and international regulatory requirements.
• Works closely with QA and Sensory to manage product testing elements including shelf life, consumer testing, analytical testing, NFP’s, etc.
• Provides general technical support for other departments including research, problem solving, identification of experts, response to inquiries, and technical summaries.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and skills