Associate Director, Product Management - Animal Nutrition

About Us

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

We do not use AI to screen applications. Applications and resumes of qualified applicants are reviewed by a real person because we value your time and believe each qualified applicant deserves thoughtful, human consideration. It's an old-fashioned approach-done with purpose.

Why Join Us

Our people are the key ingredient to our success. We offer a collaborative, innovative environment where you can grow your career and make an impact on global food and health solutions.

We provide a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package , including:

• Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Opportunity
  • 401(k) with Company Contributions
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision - Effective Day 1
  • Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, and Floating Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
  • Wellness Programs and Yearly Wellness Reimbursement
  • Work Flexibility
  • Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
  • Career Growth and Development within a Global Organization
• Company-Provided Mental Health and Caregiving support

Overview

Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America is seeking a highly strategic and commercially driven Associate Director, Product Management - Animal Nutrition to lead growth initiatives within the AjiPro® portfolio, including rumen-protected amino acids and livestock nutrition solutions. This role plays a critical leadership function in executing the CFS Business 2030 Roadmap, driving product strategy, commercial expansion, operational governance, and sustainability initiatives across North America. The Associate Director will serve as a key interface between North American operations and global stakeholders, supporting cross-functional collaboration across Product Management, Sales, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, Finance, and Manufacturing. This position is ideal for a senior-level professional with strong experience in animal nutrition, feed additives, amino acids, ruminant nutrition, livestock production, and product commercialization, combined with the ability to drive strategic growth in complex global organizations.

Qualifications

Education, Certifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required in one of the following:

• Animal Science • Veterinary Science • Nutrition • Physiology • Pharmacy • Agricultural Science • Food Science • Chemistry • Related Scientific Discipline

• Master's degree, MBA, or advanced degree preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in product management, business strategy, or commercial leadership within: • Animal Nutrition • Feed Additives • Amino Acids • Livestock Nutrition • Food or Ingredient Manufacturing

• Demonstrated experience driving product commercialization and growth strategy • Experience in ruminant nutrition (dairy or beef) strongly preferred

• Experience working in global or matrix organizations preferred • Experience managing cross-functional teams and strategic initiatives

• Technical Skills • Microsoft Office Suite • SAP • Salesforce • Power BI • CRM and ERP systems • Financial and forecasting tools

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of animal nutrition and feed additive markets

• Strategic thinking and long-term planning capability

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams

• Experience presenting to senior leadership and external stakeholders

• Strong interpersonal and leadership capabilities

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments
• Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) when visiting production facilities
• Travel required: Approximately 15% • Occasional use of personal or rental vehicle
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods

Responsibilities

• Product Management & Commercial Strategy - AjiPro® Portfolio

• Lead product management and commercial strategy for the AjiPro® portfolio, including rumen-protected lysine and amino acid technologies

• Develop and execute growth strategies to expand adoption across dairy, beef, and livestock production markets

• Drive customer acquisition and expand commercial presence across North America

• Partner with Sales and Marketing teams to strengthen customer engagement and market positioning

• Support global product strategy execution through knowledge sharing and supply coordination

• Sustainability & Green Business Development

• Develop initiatives to support greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction programs within livestock production systems

• Identify and implement opportunities to monetize sustainability-driven nutrition technologies

• Support sustainability strategy initiatives aligned with global environmental goals

• Collaborate with global teams to scale environmentally responsible feed additive solutions

• Operational Strategy & Supply Planning

• Develop mid- to long-term product supply strategies for AjiPro® products and key raw materials, including lysine

• Support capacity expansion planning and readiness for production growth

• Optimize profitability through coordination across Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain teams

• Lead development of integrated sales and production planning strategies

• Governance, Regulatory & Business Foundation

• Support operational governance and business alignment across AHN CFS operations

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and profitability management activities

• Serve as primary liaison between AHN, AJICO, and global stakeholders

• Support regulatory compliance and product registration across export markets

• Contribute to organizational restructuring and operational optimization initiatives

• Product Innovation & Portfolio Expansion

• Lead commercialization of new and enhanced amino acid product offerings

• Develop market strategies for single amino acids, including tryptophan and lysine

• Partner with R&D and Innovation teams to support product pipeline development

• Evaluate competitive landscape and identify new growth opportunities

Salary Range

180K-205K

EEO Statement

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.