SENIOR R & D MANAGER, Tortillas

This leadership role is responsible for steering the daily operations of the tortilla development team, ensuring that projects are executed with precision and delivered punctually. The successful candidate will have a blend of management and hands-on capabilities, contributing directly to key projects. Key functions include serving as the primary technical liaison for various stakeholders, collaborating with sales, category leaders, and R&D executives to align strategic goals, and facilitating progress communications. The role demands a proactive approach to innovation, working closely with suppliers to enhance product formulations, processing technologies, and quality standards.

Main responsibilities include leading a team of scientists, making informed decisions, and influencing cross-functional teams regarding feasibility, project trajectory, and implementation. The position is pivotal in driving new product and process innovations from idea conception to market release. Other duties involve overseeing project evaluation, team resource management, and maintaining robust documentation. Robust collaboration with cross-functional teams in Sales, Marketing, Operations, Quality, and Purchasing is essential to achieve successful project outcomes.

The role requires maintaining constant communication with team members, providing continuous feedback, and setting development goals while nurturing a culture of high-performance. The ideal candidate will have an extensive background in food science, particularly with grain-based products, and strong knowledge of emerging trends in food technology. Exceptional communication and organizational skills, along with proficiency in industry-standard software, are pivotal.

The position involves managing a diverse team comprising managers, scientists, and coordinators, with a focus on achieving high-quality output and professional growth. It requires regular visits to manufacturing sites, sometimes involving travel up to 50% of the time.