SOPAKCO
Director of Product Development
SOPAKCO, Bennettsville, South Carolina, United States, 29512
At SOPAKCO, we are committed to innovation in the food industry. As a top provider of ready-to-eat meals, commonly known as MREs, to the U.S. military, we have also established ourselves as an innovative food processing company for major national and international brands.Summary:
SOPAKCO, located in Bennettsville, SC has an onsite opening for The Director of Product Development. This position will play a pivotal role within our R&D team, responsible for driving our growth through the development of new products and technologies. This includes quality improvement initiatives, line extensions, cost reduction initiatives, new product development, technology evaluations, developing standard operating procedures (S.O.P.), establishing process critical control points and specifications, quality measurement and tolerances, thermal processing for sterility, and general manufacturing support. The incumbent's role is crucial in communicating and implementing technical development throughout the supply chain (engineering, manufacturing, co-packers, Q.A., procurement, logistics, etc.). This person will lead the team producing products for commercial lines.Responsibilities:Oversee the R&D team and work with clients to develop new products.Manage, coach, and develop an R&D team that consistently creates high-quality custom products that meet customer market, flavor, and operational needs.Oversee and implement thermal processing technologies for food products.Work with customers and senior company leadership to gain a deep understanding of customer requirementsCreate a product development process encompassing all key steps - from brainstorming to formulation to customer acceptance.Creating a departmental budget.Collaborate with the manufacturing, procurement, marketing, and sales departments.Developing new products and processes for the R&D Team.Consult with top management and the research and development team and make recommendations based on research findings and product performance.Conducting research into innovative technologies that may apply to SOPAKCO's overall strategic goals.Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.Research new ingredients, processing techniques, and technologies.Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers and vendors.Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and food safety standards.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in food science or related field (master's degree preferred).Minimum of 8 or more years of experience in R&D within the food industry.Documented success in developing new food products that have excelled in the consumer market.Expertise in thermal processing technologies.Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.Experience with CRM, Six Sigma, or stage gate processes.Must have experience in working with proteins: Eggs, Almonds, Beef, Pork, Chicken, Cottage Cheese, Greek Yogurt, Milk, Lentils, Soups, Sauces, Lean Beef, Fish, Quinoa Protein Powders, or Peanuts.
SOPAKCO, located in Bennettsville, SC has an onsite opening for The Director of Product Development. This position will play a pivotal role within our R&D team, responsible for driving our growth through the development of new products and technologies. This includes quality improvement initiatives, line extensions, cost reduction initiatives, new product development, technology evaluations, developing standard operating procedures (S.O.P.), establishing process critical control points and specifications, quality measurement and tolerances, thermal processing for sterility, and general manufacturing support. The incumbent's role is crucial in communicating and implementing technical development throughout the supply chain (engineering, manufacturing, co-packers, Q.A., procurement, logistics, etc.). This person will lead the team producing products for commercial lines.Responsibilities:Oversee the R&D team and work with clients to develop new products.Manage, coach, and develop an R&D team that consistently creates high-quality custom products that meet customer market, flavor, and operational needs.Oversee and implement thermal processing technologies for food products.Work with customers and senior company leadership to gain a deep understanding of customer requirementsCreate a product development process encompassing all key steps - from brainstorming to formulation to customer acceptance.Creating a departmental budget.Collaborate with the manufacturing, procurement, marketing, and sales departments.Developing new products and processes for the R&D Team.Consult with top management and the research and development team and make recommendations based on research findings and product performance.Conducting research into innovative technologies that may apply to SOPAKCO's overall strategic goals.Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.Research new ingredients, processing techniques, and technologies.Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers and vendors.Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and food safety standards.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in food science or related field (master's degree preferred).Minimum of 8 or more years of experience in R&D within the food industry.Documented success in developing new food products that have excelled in the consumer market.Expertise in thermal processing technologies.Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.Experience with CRM, Six Sigma, or stage gate processes.Must have experience in working with proteins: Eggs, Almonds, Beef, Pork, Chicken, Cottage Cheese, Greek Yogurt, Milk, Lentils, Soups, Sauces, Lean Beef, Fish, Quinoa Protein Powders, or Peanuts.