Senior R&D Manager - Food Manufacturing

Evans/Palmex, a leader in the food manufacturing industry, is seeking an exceptional Senior R&D Manager to spearhead our innovative projects in collaboration with Frito-Lay North America. This role demands a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in the food industry, particularly within the snacks category. The ideal candidate will possess advanced technical expertise, proven leadership skills, and a strong background in managing complex, high-quality projects from concept to commercialization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Leadership: Oversee and lead R&D initiatives related to Frito-Lay North America, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Innovation Management: Drive the development of new product concepts, technologies, and processes specifically in the snacks category, with a focus on pork, pellets, and tortilla products. Ensure scalability and sustainability of innovations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with internal teams (Product Development, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing) and external stakeholders to ensure successful project execution and integration.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement R&D strategies that align with Evans/Palmex's goals and Frito-Lay's product development roadmap, leveraging expertise in high-quality standards and stringent product qualification protocols.
• Technical Expertise: Provide deep technical knowledge and guidance on ingredient functionality, product formulation, and process optimization. Utilize experience from recognized CPG companies to enhance project outcomes.
• Resource Management: Efficiently manage resources, including budgets, timelines, and personnel, to meet project objectives and deadlines.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure R&D activities comply with industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies. Stay informed about food safety and regulatory changes.
• Performance Tracking: Track and report on project progress and performance metrics, using data-driven insights to guide decision-making and adjustments.
• Mentorship: Lead and mentor junior R&D staff, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience: Over 15 years of experience in R&D within the food industry, with a strong emphasis on the snacks category.
• Expertise in pork, pellets, and tortilla products is essential. Experience with recognized CPG companies is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Proven ability to manage complex innovation projects from concept to commercialization. Strong background in translating concepts into technical solutions that are scalable and sustainable.
• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership skills with experience in managing teams and driving high-impact projects.
• Language Skills: Bilingual in English and Spanish is desired.
• Global Exposure: Experience working in multicultural environments and exposure to international and global markets is a plus.
• Travel: Willingness to travel approximately 30-50% of the time for site visits, conferences, and client meetings.
• Location: Position is based in Dallas, TX at our R&D lab or potentially TN, due to FLNA focus.

Palmex-Evans is a leader in the food manufacturing industry, known for our commitment to quality and innovation. We strive to exceed customer expectations through strategic partnerships and a focus on continuous improvement. Join us and be part of a dynamic team driving growth and excellence in the market.