Director, Research & Development Jobs

We are looking for a Director of R&D to lead our gluten-free baking and snacks team at our plant location in Denver, Colorado!
This is an R&D Director role, not operations. However, you will be working closely with both the Ops and R&D teams as the technical expert as well as leading a team of food scientists onsite for the both the research and production of gluten free baking and snacks. You will focus on delivering growth through new product development, identifying and executing cost savings, and providing technical solutions to support the business and supply chain. You will partner with functional leaders to execute initiatives and drive strategy.
Position Responsibilities

• Accountable for product design, product quality and business continuity priorities.
• Cultivates and fosters relationships with internal business and internal/external technical partners.
• Leads a team of food scientists, with focus on employee development, training and coaching.
• Build strong relationships with team, leadership, and across functions to drive decision making, problem solving and strategy.
• Ability to travel, work in office and lab/plant environment.
• Independently direct team activity, ensure successful planning and execution of initiatives.
• Champions ideas for technology improvements, cost savings, innovations that align with strategic goals of the business.
• Communication of strategies, priorities, and direction to staff.
• Maintains high awareness of consumer, technical trends, and new developments in the food industry, with strong emphasis on baking.
• Acts as the primary interface to the business for assigned brands.

Qualifications And Experience Needed

• Experience in leading and management of a technical team with proven ability to lead technical strategy and priority initiatives.
• Basic understanding of business and financial principles.
• Possess strong technical understanding and application of baking science.
• Experience developing and commercializing food products, with focus on Gluten Free applications.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science or related field with minimum 10 years relevant work experience in the food industry, or 7 years total experience with Masters or PhD.
• Proven experience in commercial baking product innovation and process development.
• Possess strong communication skills, including written updates, presenting to cross functional leads and senior leaders.
• Exhibits leadership and demonstrated ability to influence technical and business partners.
• Experience in leveraging laboratory methods and instruments for advancement in product quality and consistency.

Physical Requirements

• Exposure to manufacturing environments for periodic extended workdays to include loud noise, excessive heat, cold, wet, and slippery conditions and exposure to food allergens.
• Ability to stand for sit or stand for extended periods of time.

We require applicants for this role to be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship either now or in the future.
Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, 15 vacation days, 6 additional days off and 10 paid holidays. Check out our 401k plan too! Conagra will match 100% up to the first 6% of pay you save. We will also provide a 3% non-elective contribution to your account regardless of your participation (that's 9%)!
Compensation
Annual Salary: $121,000.00 - $178,000.00

• Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.

Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

• Balance: paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role)
• Growth: online courses, virtual and classroom development experiences
• Wealth: great pay, incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
• Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance

Our Company
Conagra Brands is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, our Company combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. Our portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Our iconic brands, such as Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, and Slim Jim, and emerging brands, including Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, Duke's, Earth Balance, Gardein, and Frontera, offer choices for every occasion.
We pride ourselves on having the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in the food industry. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com.
Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law.