R&D Project Lead

Serves as an acknowledged subject matter expert (SME) and is responsible for steering product development and process enhancement initiatives. Spearheads intricate and pivotal projects, guiding them through the entire lifecycle from conception to commercialization. Collaborates with strategic vendors and internal partners to ensure the preparation of products for market. Impacts and guides technical advancements in products and process improvements while exploring emerging technologies to fortify the organization’s standing within the poultry industry. Key Responsibilities Guides, coordinates, and provides oversight for assigned projects, ensuring effective prioritization and timely completion to achieve optimal results. Conveys project updates, findings, and recommendations to key partners, including executives and cross‑functional teams. Owns, guides, and is responsible for new product projects from conception to commercialization by collaborating cross‑functionally. Fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment to enhance team efficiency and creativity. Maintains external and marketplace awareness related to new concepts, products, ingredients, and technologies. Meaningfully impacts the development of new poultry products, considering market trends, consumer preferences, and technological advancements. Conducts feasibility studies to pinpoint novel processes and product formulations with the potential to introduce new products. Recommends new raw materials, ingredients, materials, and processes that improve products and reduce cost. Documents and accurately captures crucial process steps in product specifications ensuring clear definition of gold standard product and processing techniques. Serves as a technical expert liaison to the Marketing and Sales teams, supporting existing customers and facilitating the pursuit of new business opportunities. Ensures all R&D activities adhere to regulatory standards and compliance requirements in the food manufacturing industry. Reviews and guides continuous improvement opportunities and solutions directed at improving profitability, product quality, food safety and capital avoidance. Minimum Qualifications (Education & Experience) Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent (e.g., Food Science, Poultry Science, Biochemistry). 8+ years of relevant experience or the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role. 5+ years of industry experience collaborating, guiding, and/or overseeing moderately complex R&D projects. Essential Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Ample experience with scientific research concepts, data collection and review, and identifying and implementing process improvements. Skilled at new product launches with a proven track record of bringing products from concept to market. Familiarity with regulatory requirements in the food industry. Top‑notch interpersonal, presentation, and written and verbal communication skills with the ability to deliver clear guidance with patience and understanding. Strong understanding and mastery of poultry science/poultry processing, marination, ingredient technology, product formulations, and meat science principles. Proficient across multiple technical categories, complex product types, and production lines. Expert project management skills with the ability to effectively guide project teams and collaborate seamlessly across functions. Strong creative thinking, problem‑solving, and analytical skills with the ability to use data and sound judgment to inform strategy and direction. Proven ability to use new technology to significantly improve profitability, product quality, food safety and manufacturing complexity issues. Proficient with Microsoft Suites (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Projects, etc.), Smartsheet, and/or related project management tools. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities 5+ years of plant‑level operational experience in consumer‑packaged goods (e.g., quality, production, inventory management). Physical Demands Employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, keyboard, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus. Working Conditions Work performed in a variety of conditions including remote work, a climate‑controlled office environment, and a manufacturing plant environment with varying conditions, such as cold areas, wet areas, warm areas, chemicals, and other site conditions. The position requires wearing personal protective equipment while in the manufacturing environment. The noise level of the office environment is usually moderate; the noise level in the manufacturing environment may exceed 85 dBA and require hearing protection. Required to travel up to 50% of the time. Requires at least 2 days per week in a manufacturing facility, potentially more pending project needs. Disclaimer We embrace equal opportunity employment. Butterball is committed to the fair and impartial treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without regard to gender, age, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. This position is deemed Safety Sensitive for purposes of Butterball’s Drug/Alcohol Screening & Testing Policy. Details will be provided to individuals who receive a conditional job offer, or upon request. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of what is required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not imply or establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr