Director, R&D Innovation

Utz Quality Foods is seeking a Director, R&D Innovation to join our Research and Development team to work at our corporate headquarters located in Hanover, PA. Reporting to the Head of R&D, the successful candidate will assume leadership responsibilities for the product development innovation agenda which includes partnering with the brand business team innovation lead, managing a team of product developers, and assuming responsibilities for his/her own projects across all Utz Brands products.

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in food science, food engineering, or similar and at least 10 years of product development experience in the food and beverage industry, preferably salty snacks. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing innovative products from concept through lab/pilot scale to manufacturing. Knowledge in seasonings, extrusion, frying, and/or baking applications is helpful in this role. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and leadership capabilities are essential.

Director, R&D Innovation:

• Manages direct reports to execute against project objectives in a timely and professional manner.
• Partners with Brand innovation leader to generate ideas and advance approved projects.
• Works closely with other cross functional departments such as Procurement and Manufacturing.
• Establishes scientifically robust yet nimble approach to product development.
• Effectively prioritizes and allocated resources, human and financial, against initiatives.
• Develops and implements best practices to enable effective innovation development.
• Owns and leads select projects/initiatives.
• Collaborates with other R&D groups such as Value Creation, Regulatory and Packaging to accomplish objectives and manage R&D site.
• Establishes working relationships with ingredient suppliers, processing equipment suppliers, universities, and other technology providers to leverage resources, generate ideas and advance initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned that will impact and support the overall outcome of the company and department objectives.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related area is required.
• 10-15 years' product development experience in food and beverage industry, preferably snacks.
• Proven track record of developing innovative products from concept through lab/pilot scale to manufacturing.
• Knowledge in seasonings, extrusion, frying, and/or baking applications.
• Demonstrated leadership and team building competencies.
• Ability to think critically and exercise complex problem-solving skills while also simplifying information to drive for decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Able to be self-directed, forward thinking and make complex decisions that drive business innovation and performance.
• Comfort supporting recommendations and findings to manager and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent time and project management skills with proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple, concurrent projects.

Our Recruitment Process

• Apply: Submit your resume and answer a few key questions to get started.
• Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
• Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to see how they fit into the team and wider business with Utz.

Continuously Pursuing Excellence!

Here at Utz, we have a passion for exciting and delighting consumers with delicious snack foods made from high quality ingredients. After over a century with a strong family heritage, our diverse portfolio of brands includes Utz, Zapp's, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border. Our associates are the reason for the success of this company, so it is important we provide a supportive, caring and inclusive environment that offers opportunities for career growth and advancement. We also help take care of our associates by providing benefits, resources, and programs that ensure they live their healthiest lives. Our benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, an employer match 401k, profit sharing plan, employee stock purchase plan and much more. Join our world class team and help us become the fastest growing pure-play U.S. snacking company of scale!

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.