R&D Product Development Manager

Clasen Quality Chocolate (CQC) is a world-class manufacturer of chocolate and confectionery coatings. CQC supports a professional, supportive work environment where teamwork is the key to our success. Working for a privately-held company provides you with the opportunity to wear many different “hats,” make a difference every day, and have fun doing it!

We are currently accepting applications for a R&D Product Development Manager in our Corporate Office on the East side of Madison, WI, ranked the “Best Place to Live 2015 ” by Livability.com. The position requires up to 20% travel and supervises a team of Food Scientists and a Lab Supervisor. This position reports to the Director of Research and Development. Manages, leads, and coordinates the technical activities of the Innovation Team in support of policies, goals, and business objectives. This position works closely with both sales and operations in coordinating the development and commercialization of products for customers.

* Manage team of scientists to develop new confectionery and chocolate formulations, applications, and bench top samples for sales and customer evaluation within agreed upon time frame. Responsiblities extend to defining and managing the project review process. * Establish and implement Research and Development (R&D) strategies around ingredient technologies and pipeline of innovative new products. * Manage a dynamic project portfolio related to confectionery and chocolate products. * Plan and ensure documentation of plant trials for the successful commercialization of new products in a production environment. * Manage the development process to ensure documentation and traceability of work in files and lab notebooks. * Develop relationships with key customers and internal stakeholders. Manage development projects for key customer accounts. * Provide technical support and to direct reports, customers, and other departments as needed. * Support the evaluation of new suppliers to determine the best and most cost effective ingredients. * Ensure accurate technical and process specifications are completed as projects move toward commercialization. * Communicate with Sales, Customers, Operations, and Quality Assurance directly regarding project activities, design, specifications, and manufacturing issues. * Prepare and present technical presentations at customer visits and industry conferences. * Manage R&D lab budget, track key performance indicators (KPIs), coordinate customer projects and support business objectives and strategies to drive growth. * Spend 25-30% of time in the innovation lab working on projects with food scientists and technicians. * Perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Company’s policies and applicable laws for all direct reports. Responsibilities include planning, assigning and directing work, coaching, appraising performance, and training, addressing complaints and resolving problems. * Perform all tasks assigned by the supervisor, while following all company, safety, and quality policies and procedures. * Maintain regular attendance at work.

**Education / Experience:** * B.S. or M.S. in Food Science, Food Engineering or related field. * Minimum 5 years of product development experience in the food manufacturing industry * Experience with confectionery coatings or chocolate is preferred. * Preferred 3 years of R&D supervisory or leadership experience * Experience working with cross functional teams * Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook * Must have acceptable driving record and valid driver’s license. **Skills and Abilities:** * Good time and project management skills * Team management skills. * Excellent oral and written communication skills * Knowledge of product development process at consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies * Good decision and logical reasoning ability * Business acumen * Autonomy * Innovation and initiative * Influencing and negotiating skills