Director, Product Development Cooked Sausage, #1573

Sara Lee Corporation is a global manufacturer and marketer of high-quality, brand-name products for consumers throughout the world. The Corporation has operations in 58 countries and markets branded products in nearly 200 nations. Sara Lee Corporation employs 137,000 people worldwide.



Position Summary:

Responsible for program direction in the development, design, planning and execution of new products, product enhancements and cost reduction projects for retail and foodservice business units. Directs research and development staff in identifying, initiating and testing new products concepts toward appropriate recommendations to management.  Participates with the senior management functions in establishing short and long-term product line strategic goals. Allocates department resources to effectively support the Supply Chain organization for cost reduction and quality improvement projects. Coordinates staff activities to assure that work is properly budgeted, scheduled and completed in a timely manner. Coordinates activities with Engineering staff to identify equipment needs for product development and full scale manufacturing of products. Works closely with Marketing Department to evaluate consumer acceptance of product concepts. Responsible for Human Resource activities associated with managing, coaching and developing direct reports.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Executes new products from concept and test stage through production rollout to include identification of processing equipment, writing of specifications and training of appropriate people. Investigates new technologies for product and/or process improvements.Reviews and evaluates projects to completion and makes appropriate recommendations to management. Coordinates staff activities to assure work is properly budgeted, scheduled and completed in a timely manner.Evaluates and explores new technology applications including testing with universities, suppliers and other research organizations. Ensures that proper intercommunication between R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain and Sales (Foodservice and Retail) is achieved to maintain effective working relationshipsDirects the development and approves product and process specifications for manufacturing.Provides technical consultation and directs technical investigation into problems areas to reduce product failures, improve costs and improve quality.Directs the appropriate testing of products, data and reports toward approval of modifications products.Participates in development department AOP, LRP and manages department budget of approximately $2 MM. Approves department expenditures for equipment, supplies, test product and materialsManages group to improve culture and key metrics.Directs training, education and career development programs to fill department needs and company-wide technical needs for the present and provide a succession plan to accommodate future staffing needs. Reviews performance of subordinates in accordance with corporate performance evaluation system, updates and reviews positions descriptions, schedules and approves vacation time, approves time cards on a weekly basis and communicates information to subordinates on policies, procedures and/or corporate events

 

BS/MS/PHD in Food, Baking, Meat science or equivalent. MBA a plus.15 years food and/or beverage industry experience.7 years experience in a managerial role required.Demonstrated leadership capabilities and interpersonal skills with ability to guide and motivate staff and effectively interact with business groups, customers and internal and external technical personnelAbility to manage budgetComplete understanding of business operations, strategies and processes.