AVP-Product Development (Finance)

As a premier global food provider, the OSI Group partners with the world's leading foodservice and retail food brands to provide concept-to-table solutions that delight consumers around the globe.

Join us and discover a work experience where diverse ideas are met with enthusiasm, and where you can learn and grow to your full potential. We're looking for individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and who enjoy working as a team to deliver unparalleled service and solutions to our customers.

The salary range posted represents the low and high end of OSI's salary range for this position. Salaries will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to, location, education, skills, experience and performance. Base salary is one component of OSI's overall total rewards package. Other components may include bonuses, special pay programs, comprehensive time off, 401k with match and a full suite of benefit offerings for you and your family.

Position Summary:

This role is responsible for leading the R&D product development function and supporting the sales team initiatives to achieve the business objectives of OSI North America organization. Ability to manage and mentor the team throughout the product life cycle, from inception through commercialization, and work with cross-function teams to achieve goals on time and on budget.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

• Job manages a team, has authority to hire and performance-manage the team.
• Job leads/supervises/manages 6-15 employees
• Oversee and guide the new product and process development functions. Champion the product development activities and implementation of processes that ensure the speed to market.
• Manage product development activities with Sales, Process, FSQA and other function teams to achieve organizational objectives.
• Lead and direct project objectives and work with project team to establish deliverable and timelines.
• Participate in sales and product demonstration presentations to customers.
• Establish and maintain organization's leadership position in product development and commercialization excellence. Serve as the subject matter expert for complex or critical projects. Collaborate with external resources (suppliers and academic) to elevate technical strength and structure within the functional team.
• Explore emerging food processing platforms and technologies for potential business application. Oversee the testing of potential new equipment, evaluate results and make recommendations on feasibility and use.
• Manage and develop the product development team, including hiring, evaluating, mentoring, training and coaching.
• Create within R&D organization a passion for innovation and challenge the status quo.
• Designing the R&D commercialization strategy.
• Participate in organizations, conferences, and events where active membership or participation is deemed beneficial to the on-going growth and success of the organization.
• May serve as Subject Matter Expert for more complex or critical projects.
• This role has the responsibility to understand and places in practice appropriate safety procedures. This responsibility is achieved through education, training, use of protective equipment (as applicable) and by following safety policies, regulations, standards, and laws.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience & Skills:

• 10 years of experience in related field is preferred.
• Specifically in food processing.
• In-depth knowledge of food product development and project management from concept to production.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentorship ability, as well as communication skills within all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated strategic thinker with the ability to be "hands-on" for tactical execution.
• In depth understanding of food science principles, including ingredient functionality, processing, techniques, and sensory evaluation.
• Knowledge of production equipment and applicable uses, as well as ingredient functionality and usage.
• Thorough knowledge of USDA and FDA requirements and impact on product development and production.
• Project management and organizational skills is critical.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and data interpretation.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office Suite Products.
• Thorough knowledge of USDA and FDA requirements and impact on product development and production.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Solid communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Education:

• MA/MS/MBA or equivalent is preferred.
• Advanced degree in meat science, food science or related field, or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities obtained through work experience is preferred.

Work Environment:

• Work is generally performed within a business professional office environment, with standard office equipment available.
• Work conditions are typical of an R&D Center.
• This role requires 30% domestic travel.
• Position may require the physical agility of lifting up to 15 pounds
• Position may require frequent and/or infrequent of bending, squatting, pushing, pulling, stretching/reaching, use hands or fingers, talk, hear, feel objects, tools, controls and standing/walking on concrete flooring.
• Position may require the physical ability to stand/walk for Less than 4 hours.