Nelson & Associates Recruiting & Outplacement

http://www.foodrecruiter.com/ email: kayc@foodrecruiter.com

P.O. Box 2686 Kirkland, WA. 98083 (425)823-0956

SERVING THE RECRUITING NEEDS OF THE FOOD MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

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VP R&D

A. Organization Information:

1. Division: America Region
2. SBU: Cereal
3. Location: Beloit

B. Position Information:

1. Job Category: Product Development
2. Position Title: VP R&D
3. Position Report to: SBU President
4. List Positions Who Report to this Position:
R&D Director
Sensory Manager

5. Total # of Direct Reports10 - 14

6. State key responsibilities/accountabilities of position:


SCOPE RESPONSIBILITY: The Vice President, Research & Development, Sweet Ingredients will be responsible for managing the technology and product development in the area of customized cereal ingredients from confections to chocolate to agglomerates for use in the manufacture of cereal, ice cream, confectionary, nutritional bars and bakery products, as well as the manufacture of extruded products such as pastas, rice crisps, etc.

Responsibilities include facilitation of execution of strategies to meet business plans and company goals, as well as the prioritization of all projects on an ongoing basis to ensure proper allocation of resources. Directly supervise and support the R&D Manager.

In addition, the Vice President, Research & Development will also be responsible for the following:

• Strategic Planning: To help develop strategy to meet defined annual budget and five-year plan goals
• Technology Development (Next Generation): To create an environment that encourages innovation to allow for continual pursuit of new technologies that fit departmental objectives and bring future products and profits
• Departmental Development: To create and implement a strategy that fosters the development of innovative capability as a learned skill; to provide each direct report with divisional objectives and oversee establishment and implementation of individual development plans to improve skill sets and develop employees to their fullest potential
• Project Management: To facilitate internal communication between relevant departments to effectively manage project development and “follow-through” within technology area(s)
• Internal Communications: To communicate key issues, project milestones, potential opportunities/risks to appropriate cross-functional team members; to advise any changes or activities that directly or indirectly affect current or future business


Knowledge and expertise should include:

• Ability to manage the development/presentation of strategic business unit and commercial objectives
• Specific success in growing a business and developing product technology opportunities
• Strong project management skills and the ability to deliver timely, quality results
• Good business acumen with solid relationship management skills
• Proven track record as an “agent of change”, with the ability to move quickly and bring a sense of urgency to the business
• Flexible working style and ability to work with highly motivated people while putting processes and discipline in place
• Demonstrated energy, enthusiasm and commitment to organizational objectives
• Possess hands-on experience with senior level strategic and tactical facets of the business, yet be able to delegate responsibility and authority, as appropriate; hold people accountable
• Select and develop a high-performing staff
• Ability to accept risk, make tough decisions and trade-offs, and meet business goals
• Must possess excellent communication and problem solving skills. Ability to quickly understand the fundamentals of the organization’s operations. Provide leadership as part of a changing environment and coach and mentor people in their new positions. Be a team player and strong relationship builder, both internally and externally, to achieve the necessary leadership and management initiatives. Ability to demonstrate organizational savvy through the development of alliances leading to strong working relationships. Influence, negotiate and resolve business unit issues that are in alignment with overall organizational direction.


C. Position Specification:

1. Rate level of Interaction required

A. Externally: 4 - Important to Role B. Internally: 5 - Critical to Role

2. State major area of interaction:

• Sales
• Operations
• Customers
• Finance/Accounting

3. List academic qualifications required:Master’s Degree


4. State major areas of experience and/or knowledge required:

BACKGROUND REQUIRED: The successful candidate will have a minimum of 12 to 15 years of research and direct experience development experience, with emphasis in strategic product management/development, pricing, P&L management, and with evaluation, managing and supporting business products/services, including partnerships and alliances. Strong technology experience is preferred.


5. List number of years experience required: 10

6. Rate level of problem solving: 7 - Strategic and Highly Complicated

7. Check at least three core competencies

• Achievement Through People
• Commercial and Market Focus
• Planning and Organizing
• Thoughtful and Flexible Efficiency
• Change and Open-Mindedness
• Information Monitoring
• Vision
• Experience of Kerry Group and Industry
• Technical and Numerical Ability
• Passion and Resilience