New Product Development Director
Del Monte Fresh Produce Company NA, Inc.
Location
Coral Gables, FL | United States
Job description
Purpose of Position:
To meet our product innovation and growth targets, we are looking for an experienced Product Development leader with passion for people and innovation, who can generate and manage major innovation projects, as well as lead and develop the R&D Product Innovation function. The Director of New Product Development leads the new product development efforts for Fresh Del Monte and Mann Packing. This critical role oversees the development of innovative products from conceptualization to commercial launch. They oversee all aspects of the NPD process including identifying market trends and opportunities, managing projects and teams, developing intellectual property, bringing new products and services to market, and evaluating opportunities for licensing or acquisition.
Accountabilities: - Aligning R&D projects and priorities with business growth strategies and unmet customer and consumer needs
- Managing the end-to-end NPD process including research, prototyping, sensory testing, and process scaling
- Leading cross-functional NPD teams with representatives from marketing, manufacturing, quality assurance, procurement, and finance
- Monitoring food science and nutrition trends, ingredients innovations, and emerging technologies for product development opportunities
- Overseeing portfolio management. Establishing and managing budgets, timelines and key milestones for NPD projects
- Ensuring NPD portfolio delivers on revenue growth, margin, and launch timing goals.
- Protecting intellectual property related to proprietary ingredients, product formulations, and process technologies.
- Leading and managing the R&D organization to align projects and resources with business goals.
- Building partnerships with universities, research institutes, and other companies
Minimum Skills Required: - 10+ years of management experience directing food product development projects that have successfully launched into retail or foodservice markets.
- Advanced degree in food science or technology
- Supervisory/managerial experience required.
- Familiarity with food science equipment required.
- Project Management experience required.
- Experience with consumer insights, culinary innovation, and nutrition.
- Budgeting, and strategic planning skills desirable.
- Successful track record developing and implementing category growth strategies.
- Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to simplify complex ideas and present strategic recommendations.
- Knowledge of fresh produce industry including supply chain and pricing dynamics
- Required To Travel: up to 25% of time.
***Please note: This position does not qualify for relocation expenses. *** DEL MONTE FRESH PRODUCE IS AN EEO/AA/V/H
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