R&D Director

Our R&D team is looking for a Director of Powders and Ready to Drink (RTDs) applications to become a key member of the R&D senior leadership team reporting to the Vice President of R&D. This person will work alongside the R&D Leadership team to ensure that: business’ growth and innovation agenda are supported, the R&D strategy is fit for purpose, future technical needs are identified, that initiatives are prioritized and resourced accordingly. The role will also be a key driver in leading internal initiatives for team growth, development, and communication.

This role will be the primary leader and oversee all R&D activities within Powders and RTD applications and development platforms. Within these spaces, this person will be responsible for Powders and RTD formats from conceptualization through commercialization, they will drive awareness and the identification of new technologies, ingredients, and partners to meet business needs. They will support all second sourcing and productivity projects, requiring strong business skills to continually assess opportunities and work cross functionally to ensure alignment within projects. Finally, they will also work closely with Americas and International markets to support strategic initiatives, leveraging the support of the wider R&D team to meet the needs of the regions and working closely with global colleagues to meet both tactical and strategic objectives.

Our business is exciting, dynamic, and growing, we are looking for a dedicated leader to possess a flexible and nimble mindset as priorities, opportunities, and external conditions are constantly evolving. Cultural fit is important to us; our people, teams, and values make us who we are. We are looking for a strong, inspirational team leader that can lead by example in a productive and inclusive way. Someone who empowers others, acts with positive intent, and has a passion for our brands and consumers is extremely important. 

Primary Responsibilities:                                                                                    

• Collaborate with Sr. R&D Leadership Team on the design and implementation of R&D strategy, prioritization, and team development opportunities.
• Lead, mentor and develop the RTD and Powders applications team for GPN.
• Develop a center of excellence for Powder and RTD applications.
• Develop a pipeline of products with Brands to meet strategic needs.
• Support product efficiency and second sourcing applications initiatives.
• Champion GPN R&D Ways of working including but not limited to SOPs, protocols, and testing criteria.
• Support the optimization of systems & processes to support team and business.
• Lead IP management for all Powder and RTD initiatives.
• Accountable for team performance, ensuring delivery of business objectives, and quality of work.
• Develop and maintain external relationships within International and Americas regions.
• Build support networks across the Americas and in key markets.
• Prioritize team activities to align with business needs and objectives, ensuring the team is resourced adequately.
• Support the professional and technical development of their team and the wider R&D team.

Requirements:

• Bachelors of Science in Food Science & Technology, Food Engineering, or other related technical degrees.
  • Advanced degrees in these or related fields are welcomed.
• Minimum of 12 years in an R&D-centric applications role leading ingredient selection, formulation, scaling and commercializing products.  
  • Must have experience working in the CPG industry.
  • B2B is a plus but not required.
  • Expert in Powders and RTD applications.
• Minimum 10 years in a management role and leading R&D teams with demonstrated results.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and project management skills.  
• Solution oriented, strategic thinker, clear decision maker.  
• Strong collaborator and able to inspire and communicate to teams clearly.  
• Passionate about talent development and collaboration across team to drive results.
• Strong business acumen.

GPN manufactures and markets the full range of performance nutrition and lifestyle products including protein, pre-workout, muscle gainers, ready-to-eat snacks and general health.

If you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please apply! 

Where and how you will work   

The opportunity will be based in Downers Grove, IL with hybrid working arrangements available through our Smart working model which allows you a greater choice in how you work and live, giving you a better work-life balance.   

What we would like to offer you! 

The opportunity to develop your career on a global stage, continuous learning through an on-demand learning platform, and a competitive compensation package including staff discounts, generous family leave policy, health & dental plan, competitive salary, 401K.  

About Glanbia 

The Glanbia Group comprises three divisions: Glanbia Performance Nutrition, Glanbia Nutritionals, and Joint Ventures. Collectively and with our partners we offer an incredible breadth of expertise in nutrition. We employ a team of 6,000 people, work with global food and beverage companies, and sell our award-winning and market-leading products in 130 countries worldwide.  

At Glanbia, we celebrate diversity, because we know that our individual strengths make us stronger together. We welcome and encourage interest from a variety of candidates, we will give your application consideration, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. 

Compensation for roles at Glanbia varies depending on a wide range of factors including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set and level of experience.  Glanbia provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired in IL. This range may not be applicable to other locations. Factors that could be used to determine your actual salary may include your specific skills, years of experience and comparison to current employees already in this role. The typical candidate is hired below midpoint of the range.  The annual salary for IL based employees for this role is $150,000 - $225,000 with an annual bonus.