At WK Kellogg Co, we exist to create joy and connection to inspire Gr-r-reat days. We believe that doing good is always good for business and we have stood for this belief since Kellogg Company was founded more than 118 years ago. We are passionate about doing our part to make nutritious foods, create social connectivity and respect natural resources. Together, these actions create positive progress for people and the planet – today and for years to come. We have big plans for how we are going to accomplish this, and we would love for you to join us in this effort.

The Research & Development (R&D) Technical Manager provides leadership and direction to technical personnel while effectively collaborating to deliver top and bottom-line innovation. Develops and implements food and packaging strategies based on business strategy, consumer needs, competitive set, and new or existing capabilities. Supports technical information sharing across all areas of the Company. This manager must be recognized as an expert in one or more food platforms, consumer research, and understand supply chain impact of designs.

This is a Hybrid role that requires the incumbent to live within sixty miles of the Battle Creek Michigan Headquarter office. This job sometimes involves extended work schedules and time commitments and changing priorities. Incumbent must be able to deal with some stress and facilitate sound decision making. Travel to, and work in, manufacturing or test facilities is typically required 10-30 percent of the time. Some international travel includes developing countries and potential prolonged time away from home. Also, projects frequently require working beyond the normal workday hours, shift work, and on weekends.

Working Relationships:

Reports to Senior Director of R&D.

This position manages and coaches all technical levels of Food Developers and Packaging Engineers as well as external resources. This position coordinates and prioritizes work to meet business goals and may act as a technical lead on large projects.

Key internal contacts include Marketing, Supply Chain, Program Leaders, Wellbeing, Sales, Sensory, Finance, Quality, Consumer Affairs, Manufacturing Plants

External contacts include vendors, co-manufacturers, consulting firms, universities, research organizations, raw material, and equipment suppliers.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll be doing:

• Leads 4 – 8 technical professionals (Food Developers, Packaging Engineers, Food Technologists) while providing ongoing coaching and expertise to solve problems while bringing out the best in those around you.

• Internally networks and acts as a key linkage across project teams; providing technical advice, promoting innovative thinking, and acting as a catalyst for change. Regularly recognizes and imbeds best practices to accelerate development of experimental ideas and facilitate learning. Has a passion for continuous improvement and problem solving.

• Analyzes ingredient, packaging, and new product trends to stay current against an ever-changing landscape of competition. Proactively identifies areas of opportunity through collaborative partnerships across all functional areas of the organization.

• Is responsible for the development of new products from ideation through launch and beyond. Active participant in and champion of stage gate processes governing project delivery.

• Recruits and develops diverse technical talent within R&D and provides day to day technical and work-process coaching for direct reports.

• Leader within the Innovation R&D team with responsibility for technical food & pack development definition and strong cross functional ties to deliver business objectives. Balances resources against delivery of both short- and long-term objectives.

• Strong advocate for improvements in product design and supports compliance to design initiatives.

• Able to anticipate and address potential barriers to project/program success. Works proactively to develop alternative solutions and provides sound recommendations on the path forward.

• Leads major programs or complex projects with responsibility for several other projects and may work as a technical expert in some instances. Able to set actionable direction in ambiguous circumstances to energize the team and drive results.

• Provides technical direction and expertise within the department with a high level of competency in a specific discipline and keeps current with the latest developments and technology through investigation, training, and communication within that discipline. Leverages technical/leadership expertise to resolve product/packaging performance issues.

  Preferred Education & Experience:

• This job typically requires a bachelor’s degree in food science, packaging, chemical or agricultural engineering with ten years’ experience.

• Experience in food and/or packaging development is preferred.

• The incumbent must possess leadership, cost consciousness, communication skills, technical curiosity and diplomacy that will promote good relationships with all facets of organization and other technical and scientific disciplines in the effective execution of business results.

• This individual must be able to function effectively as a Project Manager, Coach, Planner, Coordinator, Communicator, and Senior Technical Expert.

  Bonus points:

• Master’s degree, in food science, packaging, chemical or agricultural engineering. Experience in the consumer-packaged goods industry at a food or beverage company.

  At WK Kellogg Co, our success depends on our most vital asset — our people. That is why we are committed to providing you with benefits and programs that support your Total Health and your journey to be and feel your best — physically, financially, emotionally, and socially. Our benefit offerings include:

• Healthcare coverage, including vision and dental.

• Savings and Investments contributions and match

• Paid Time Off

• Life and AD&D insurance coverage

  Our comprehensive and competitive benefits not only deliver value to you and your family, but also offer choice to meet your unique needs and knowledge to empower confident decision-making.

   

   ABOUT WK KELLOGG CO:

  At WK Kellogg Co, we bring our best to everyone, every day through our trusted foods and brands. Our journey began in 1894, when our founder W.K. Kellogg reimagined the future of food with the creation of Corn Flakes, changing breakfast forever. Since then, we have embraced the same spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in everything we do, channeling our founder’s passion and commitment to creating high quality and delicious products while fostering communities. Our iconic brand portfolio includes Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Froot Loops, Kashi, Special K, Raisin Bran, Frosted Mini Wheats, and Bear Naked. With a presence in the majority of households across North America, our brands play a key role in enhancing the lives of millions of consumers every day, promoting a strong sense of physical, emotional, and societal wellbeing. Our beloved brand characters, including Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam, represent our deep connections with the consumers and communities we serve. For more information, visit  www.wkkellogg.com . 

  If we can help you with a reasonable accommodation throughout the application or hiring process, please email Recruitment@wkkellogg.com

   

  THE FINER PRINT:

   

  The ability to work a full shift, come to work on time, work overtime as needed and the ability to work according to the necessary schedule to meet job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation is an essential function of this position.

   

  WK Kellogg Co is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

  For US applicants:

  Where required by state law and/or city ordinance; this employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information, please follow this  link .

  Let’s create gr-r-reat days,

  WK Kellogg Co Recruitment

WK Kellogg Co is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.