Product Development Project Lead

JOB SUMMARY: Serves as the regular contact between GSF Product Development / LP Management, McDonald’s Menu Management, to help facilitate project management including communication regarding new product development, product commercialization, technical issues/opportunities, manage current projects, coordinate new concepts with product development within McDonald’s and GSF as well as ensure high quality customer service, rapid problem response and resolution.

• Facilitates communication regarding the development of new products or duplication of target products to conclusion including internal formula submission and pricing requests into McDonald’s restaurants, as requested by McDonalds, to ensure smooth operations and high-quality customer service. Facilitates resolution of technical product issues efficiently and to customer’s satisfaction. 25%

• Schedules and facilitates new and core product reviews to include new product launches including Pilot Plant product runs. Facilitates planning between McDonalds’ Menu Management staff and GSF Product Development, Quality Assurance and Operations to ensure customer needs are met and GSF receives regular required feedback for effective decision-making. 20%

• Coordinates the presentation of new concepts to McDonald’s which includes providing samples for evaluation, creating presentation materials, attending focus groups, assisting with taste panel testing and following up with the appropriate GSF contacts. 10%

• Supports the communication between GSF LPNA and Havi/McDonald’s Supply Chain on New Product and LTO launches. Lead interactions, troubleshoots, and problem-solves product development and new product and core supply chain issues regarding GSF products, national promotions, and regional promotional activities and to ensure rapid problem response and resolution with McDonald’s. 25%

• Participates in the McDonald’s New Products Supply Chain, Core Supply Chain and Supply Chain partners meetings and special project teams to provide input and direction on McDonalds’ strategic initiatives and menu development. 5%

• Attends the McDonald’s QS product cuttings and attends the McDonald’s Liquid Product Innovation Team meetings. 5%

• Look for and anticipate opportunities outside of our current portfolio to gain market share within the McDonald’s business. 5%

• Maintain customer-facing Innovation Kitchen and shared office space to support customer evaluations, product testing, and internal evaluation efforts in the Chicago Innovation Center. 5%

Bachelor’s degree in food science or related technical field from an accredited college or university

Knowledge of (B/basic; J/journey; E/expert):

• Liquid product manufacturing processes (B)
• Management concepts and techniques (J)
• Food manufacturing processes and practices (J)
• McDonald’s operations (B)
• PC word processing/spreadsheet software (J)

Skill and ability to:

• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs
• Act in accordance with GSF’s Values & Creed
• Develop long-term, trusting relationships with customer contacts
• Interpret customer service problems or anomalies and identify appropriate solutions
• Work effectively in a general business environment, with a focus on high levels of proactive quality and customer service
• Communicate and coordinate effectively with internal and external customers verbally and in writing
• Analyze and resolve complex problems using sound reasoning skills and technical tools e.g. excel spreadsheets, other templates, etc

• Must be willing to come into the office on average 3 days per week, and up to 5 when necessary

• Must be able to travel via airplane and drive an automobile (Travel up to 20%)

• Productivity/quality standards: customer service and satisfaction
• Contact with key McDonalds’ staff feedback
• Teamwork/professional leadership within the department and across departments
• Project management
• Budget: work within expense guidelines provided
• Productivity/quality standards: responsiveness and reliability
• Productivity/quality standards: accuracy, timeliness, thoroughness
• Productivity/quality standards: professional interaction with customers