R&D Process Engineering Manager

Based in Mount Prospect, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments, and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian, and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces, and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company's overall management approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can deliver ours. Above all, we're dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets-our team members. That's reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, reward, and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of our team's future success!

Position Overview:
Reporting to the Senior Director of R&D, the Manager of R&D Process Engineering will play a critical role in driving innovation, project management, and technical leadership for Mizkan America Meals Solutions and Flavor Enhancers. This position will oversee cross-functional R&D initiatives, manage and mentor a team of engineers, scientists, and technicians, and ensure the effective operation of R&D facility. The role combines strategic leadership, technical expertise, and hands-on collaboration to deliver innovative solutions that align with Mizkan's business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute advanced R&D projects focused on shelf stable sauces, vinegars, and other fermentation-based products.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of engineers, technicians, and facility team (supervisor) to foster culture of innovation, collaboration, and project execution.
• Provide technical guidance, set performance goals, and conduct regular evaluations for direct reports.

• Oversee the activities of the R&D Facility Supervisor to ensure the functionality, safety, and compliance of R&D facilities.

• Provide expertise in processing innovations, ingredient technology, and formula optimization to the R&D team.
• Develop and implement strategies that align with Mizkan's clean label, sustainability, and functional ingredient platforms.
• Manage a portfolio of R&D projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met through proper resourcing.
• Closely collaborate with the R&D Packaging and Product development leads as well as cross-functional teams, including Operations, Marketing, and Quality Assurance, to ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Identify and implement new technologies and processes to enhance product quality, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Lead R&D capital planning and alignment with Supply Chain engineering team. Be informed of factory capital projects and communicate its impact to R&D team.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges and lead root cause analyses to resolve new product issues at different factories across the US.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to drive innovation.
• Present technical findings, project updates, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously which includes ingredient processing projects, capital equipment/process projects to improve/enhance pilot plant capabilities, or facility improvements with support from team.

• Interact with and manage contractors and equipment manufacturers for repairs, process changes, and new equipment installation.
• Support thermal processing objectives through factory trial support, engagement with Process Authority, and management of thermal processing instrumentation, tools, and software.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in an engineering field. Chemical or Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in R&D or in the food industry.
• Proven experience managing teams and leading complex projects to successful completion.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Technical expertise in the area of producing acid/acidified sauces, low acid canned foods (LACF), vinegar, or fermented products.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality standards in the food industry related to acidified food and LACF.
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience overseeing pilot plant and lab operations, including both food/people safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental is a plus.
• Willingness to travel ~40% of the time.

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