Project Leader, Technical Service, T&HS, US/CAN

About Ingredion:

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Bridgewater, NJ

Workplace type: Hybrid/On Site (4 days on-site/1 day remote)

As a Project Leader you will drive the technical strategy and innovation for the US/CAN Beverage Category, providing expert formulation and processing support to key global and regional customers as well as category team leadership. This role collaborates cross-functionally to execute Go-to-Market strategies, manage multiple technical projects, and promote value-added ingredient solutions.

This role reports to the Sr. Manager, Customer Innovation and oversees a direct

report.

What you will do:

• Lead technical execution and support roadmap development for assigned regional customer accounts, aligning with strategic business goals. Identify and pursue new business opportunities by translating customer needs into innovative, value-creating solutions.
• Drive category growth by acting as a peer leader for the Beverage Category Expertise Team (CET), creating and executing against the strategic growth plan.
• Develop and deliver innovative ingredient solutions through hands-on formulation, experimentation, and data analysis.
• Manage multiple complex internal and external projects, balancing priorities and ensuring timely communication & delivery
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, proactively identifying knowledge and ingredient solution gaps to better align category for growth
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, and Global Applications teams to support Go-To-Market initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior decision-makers and global counterparts.
• Mentor team members and contribute to knowledge sharing across technical and commercial teams.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in food science, Food Engineering, or related fields with 7+ years of experience in Food and Beverage R&D, Product Design, and Process Design and Improvement.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in product formulation, process techniques, and scale-up within a manufacturing environment for the beverage category, especially in Carbonated Soft Drink, Energy Drink and Sport Drink.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage direct reports
• Understanding of common food processes, food ingredient functionality and ingredient interactions including sweeteners, texturizers, stabilizers, flavors and functional nutritional ingredients. Specific sugar reduction expertise a plus.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills required for formulation development, optimization, and troubleshooting
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into business value.
• Ability to travel up to 30% for customer visits, trials, and industry events

Who you are:

• Innovative, self-driven professional with a strong passion for solving challenges and delivering impactful results
• Navigator who can adapt quickly to shift priorities and evolve challenges
• Thriver in dynamic environments and comfortable with ambiguity
• Accountable; have an owner's mindset and drives results and decisions with long-term impact in mind.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and skilled at managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Team player -excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated leadership skills
• A collaborative relationship builder, able to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders across functions and levels.
• ring energy, curiosity, and a proactive mindset to everything you do, inspiring others through your enthusiasm and commitment.

Why Join Ingredion? 

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy: