Senior R&D Manager, Fibers & Texture

ngredion is hiring a Senior Manager of Fibers and Textures for the Advanced Research Chemistry (ARC) Team to provide research and product development for fiber and non-starch texturizing ingredients. Responsibilities will include identification of target compositions, technologies for the preparation of these compositions, and expertise in the functions and performance in context of areas such as: functional build-back of mouthfeel in sugar-reduced products, texturizing performance for high and low moisture products, and fiber for health. The successful candidate will be part of a multi-disciplinary, science-based research group and will collaborate with chemists, engineers, and business professionals to commercialize critical food-based ingredients across the globe.

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute projects in the discovery and design of sugar reduction solutions, with a focus on fiber systems and related texturizing ingredients.
• Serve as subject matter expert and thought leader in non-starch polysaccharides and fibers chemistry, and their applications in sugar reduction, as texturizers and also for healthful solutions.
• Work with cross-functional teams to identify and prototype fiber compositions from concept to commercialization.
• Lead the Fibers and Texture sub team within the Advanced Research Chemistry (ARC) group and develop technical strategies under the Functional Build Back (FBB), Texture, and Health categories. 
• Use of scientific methods and validated data to guide investigations and protect new inventions that support strategic objectives.
• Serve as an SME to support the Intellection Property Team in their role of monitoring and interpreting intellectual property and other external publications in the field.
• Use project management tools to ensure efficient execution of investigations and other activities.
• Create and maintain relationships critical to the success of fiber innovation activities.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships critical to the success of research activities, across all functional teams, to support our Business Segments.
• Interface with Regulatory team to ensure safety and regulatory compliance of products.

Qualified candidates will have:

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, or other related disciplines preferred with extensive fiber experience (preferably in industry) conducting research and development in the fiber/texturizing area.  Proficiency/experience in upcycling side streams is a plus.
• Relevant industry experience with ingredient development and commercialization of dietary fibers as functional ingredients and applied knowledge in plant-based non-starch carbohydrate polymer processing, development, and commercialization.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute scientific research projects with keen insights into the fundamental nature of fiber chemistry, as well as how fiber can be functionalized for performance.
• Demonstrated understanding of structure-activity relationships of fiber chemistries and their implications towards functional build-back, texture, and health.
• Solid project management skills with an ability to manage multiple projects/assignments simultaneously and complete tasks accurately and on a timely basis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information to internal and external customers (both domestic and international) in a clear, focused, and concise manner.
• Demonstrated experience in clearly presenting at an elevated level to the executive leadership.
• Excellent organization, communication, multi-tasking, and prioritization skills with ability to work in both virtual and laboratory settings.
• Ability to drive for results and work within appropriate guardrails and time/resource constraints. Can anticipate needs and advance projects and workflows, and work in a cross-functional manner towards project success.
• Prior people management, and proven ability to lead, mentor and develop teams.
• Proficiency in use of IT tools for communication (e.g. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, etc.) and familiarity with data collection/analysis (e.g. instrumentation software, MiniTab, etc.)

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs. 

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Relocation Available:

Yes, Within Country

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is fre