Director Research and Development - Applegate Corporate Office (Bedminster, NJ)

DIRECTOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT - APPLEGATE CORPORATE OFFICE (BEDMINSTER, NJ)

To save time applying, Applegate Farms does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.

ABOUT APPLEGATE FARMS  

Founded in 1987, Applegate Farms, LLC produces high-quality natural and organic hot dogs, bacon, sausages, deli meats, cheese and frozen products. Our products are made without GMO ingredients, and we source from farms where animals are treated with care and respect and are allowed to grow at their natural rate, all part of our mission – Changing The Meat We Eat®.

Natural can mean many things, but to Applegate natural means our food is:

• From animals Applegate humanely raised without antibiotics, added hormones or growth promotants
• From animals fed a vegetarian or pasture-centered diet (our beef is 100 percent grass-fed)
• Free of added chemical nitrites, nitrates or phosphates
• Free of artificial ingredients or preservatives

Applegate became a stand-alone subsidiary of Hormel Foods in July 2015.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the general direction of the VP of R&D, FSQA, PMO & PLM this position is responsible for the day-to-day operations, and overall project management of the R&D department including development and implementation of strategies for the execution of projects, budget and labor plans.

Ideal candidates will share a passion for innovative meat and food products and demonstrate a desire to pursue smarter ways of making food.  This position should be an excellent communicator of the brands’ vision; capable of positively representing the company, our products and our objectives in a variety of situations both internally and externally.   

• Ensuring all department projects are prioritized based on annual goals while ensuring all projects stay on track. Review and approve all major R&D projects, monitor, and report on progress, and provide technical guidance to R&D staff. 
• Responsible for department development including evaluation of skills and capabilities of R&D staff and implementation of plans to improve performance and competencies. Develop technical ability of staff members through assisting in the development of robust business processes, mentoring/coaching, counseling, feedback and personal development plans.
• Representing company in technical matters of high significance as appropriate, including interaction with key partners in development of controls or the implementation of new technologies to support the brands’ production.
• Maintain and develop key external industry, scientific and university relationships to enhance R&D capabilities and collaborate with outside resources as appropriate. 
• Collaborate with other departments on new technologies and processing enhancements that secure product shelf-life wholesomeness and are in conjunction with label requirements that are consistent with company mission.
• Remain abreast of regulatory changes and ensure R&D operations remain compliant (USDA/FDA).
• Determine feasibility of project objectives, timelines, and deliverables, and communicate expected outcomes and/or alternatives. 
• Oversee the creation and development of new and existing products to assist in new business areas and further penetrate existing accounts. Ensure that resources are focused on meeting the objectives set by the strategic business plans. 
• Ensure shelf-life testing and pathogen validation testing is completed prior to launch and is routinely verified and represent the brand at monthly Food Safety Council forums. 
• Oversee company process for product cuttings and sensory analysis and ensure accurate, timely and complete reporting of the results.
• Ensure accurate and complete formulation and specification information is recorded and maintained for all the brands’ products.
• Oversee the R&D Kitchen.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• B.S. Degree (Food Science, Meat Science, Engineering or Culinology preferred).
• 10 years of R&D experience in the food industry.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams. 
• Proven experience in process improvement within an R&D department.
• Strong leadership, management and change management skills.  
• Solid communication skills with the ability to build strong teams through interaction, delegation and personnel development. 
• Strong technical knowledge, able to provide leadership in directing others in solving complex technical problems. 
• Excellent attention to detail, follow through and decision-making skills
• Experience in government regulatory requirements.
• Strong communication (both written