Our client is a multifaceted company with over a quarter of a century history and rich tradition in the food ingredients industry. They are a multi-dimensional manufacturing enterprise dealing in proprietary, value-added food blends and a widely diverse range of ingredients. They are currently seeking a VP Technical Services for their R&D facility in the Midwest.

Purpose of Position

The VP Technical Services is responsible for all activities related to Research, Product Development and Quality Assurance. The position provides leadership for Company-wide research and development programs and activities including laboratory product development, field technical service and problem-solving support while promoting quality achievement and performance improvement across the organization.

The VP Technical Services will establish and maintain Company quality concepts and strategies and assist in the development of annual research and development plans including specific goals and objectives that ensure quality management systems are in place. The VP will ensure products consistently meet customer expectations and will utilize technology to minimize costs and maximize manufacturing capacities.

Key performance elements include: leadership, guidance and mentoring team members to achieve goals; ensuring business goals, customer requirements and production plans are achieved; maximizing productivity and manufacturing efficiencies through continuous improvement efforts; and supporting strategic business alliances established by the Company through effective interaction with customers, partners and vendors to develop expanded business opportunities. Formulation optimization, ingredient qualification and support of Sales and Operations are critical.

Travel is planned and scheduled by the VP Technical Services and expected to be in the 30 – 35% range.

Skills, Abilities, Experience and Education

10+ years of broad technical experience, of which, 5-years should be in product research and development with experience in food products preferred.

5+ years’ managing technical personnel and complex activities with a minimum of 2 years in R&D management.

Doctorate Degree in Technical or related field required; prefer Carbohydrate Chemist.

Knowledge of quality assurance requirements and systems to meet requirements of customers, suppliers, environmental, health/safety and conform to legal standards.

The highest ethical standards, including honesty, integrity and dedication.

Advanced oral/written communication and presentation skills.

Strong interpersonal skills.

Excellent analytical, creativity and problem-solving skills.

Ability to gain support for plans from direct reports, co-workers and superiors.

Ability to lead and inspire others to accomplish stated objectives.

Ability to diplomatically manage difficult customer and/or employee situations with sensitivity.

Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.

Essential Responsibilities & Approximate Allocation of Time

  1. Supervise, lead and direct R & D and Quality Assurance Team:

Oversee, lead and mentor the team; hold team members accountable for performance against budget and plan; conduct annual performance reviews with team; ensure that the responsibilities, authorities and accountability of all members of the team are defined and understood; foster a success-oriented and productive environment for the team; participate in key customer contacts with technical staff as needed; become involved in customer problem-resolution issues as needed; manage, monitor and advise on the performance of the quality assurance system. 65%

  1. Coordinate with and support Technical Sales Department:

Provide support to Product Development, Applications and problem resolution with Technical Sales team members. Assist in formulation and ingredient investigations for functional, economic and account requirements. 20%

  1. Oversee the development, execution and annual updating of the Company’s R & D and Quality Assurance Plans:

Direct the preparation of short-term and long-range plans with the team; manage and monitor the annual goals in concert with the Company’s overall business and financial plan. 5%

  1. Serve as a member of the management team:

Participate with other management team members and other included parties for the purpose of reviewing and reporting on the performance of the Company and evaluating the overall results against plan. 5%

  1. Other services as required. 5%

All applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the U.S. now and in the future without requiring sponsorship.

For additional information, please contact Moira McGrath, (954) 428-3888 or moira@foodscience.com