Job Description

Description

Position at Pilgrim's

Head of Research & Development

Position Summary: 

We are seeking an innovative and strategic Head of Research & Development (R&D) to lead our efforts in redefining product excellence and innovation across retail and foodservice channels serving our fresh commodity, fresh value added, and prepared foods business units. This senior leader will set the strategic vision for the R&D function, overseeing culinary, sensory, packaging, regulatory/labeling, innovation marketing, and project management. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the food manufacturing landscape and a passion for elevating product offerings by leveraging cutting-edge research and consumer insights.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Vision and Leadership:
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy aligned with Pilgrim’s business objectives and market trends.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the R&D team and across the organization.

• Culinary & Sensory Led Product Development:
  • Lead the formulation and testing of new poultry products that meet consumer preferences and dietary trends.
  • Oversee culinary development, ensuring products are not only nutritious but also delicious and appealing to consumers.
  • Spearhead initiatives to create unique flavor profiles and meal solutions that differentiate Pilgrim’s in the marketplace.

• Product Research, Validation & Optimization:
  • Collaborate with external research institutions and industry stakeholders to leverage the latest scientific advancements.
  • Drive product yield and line efficiency improvements in partnership with operations and operational excellence teams
  • Implement robust sensory evaluation processes to gather consumer feedback and insights, driving continuous improvement in product development and refining product offerings to enhance consumer satisfaction.

• Packaging Engineering:
  • Drive innovation in packaging design and technology, focusing on sustainability, functionality, and consumer convenience.
  • Ensure packaging solutions align with brand messaging and regulatory guidelines while maximizing shelf appeal and operational efficiency.
  • Work closely with operations and engineering partners to ensure equipment and packaging quality parameters are met.

• Regulatory/Labeling Compliance:
  • Ensure all products meet industry regulations and labeling requirements, collaborating closely with the legal and compliance teams.
  • Stay abreast of evolving regulations to guide the organization in maintaining compliance and addressing any potential challenges.

• Innovation Marketing & Project Management:
  • Develop strategic innovation product pipeline and work collaboratively with cross-functionals to execute successful new products launches.
  • Collaborate with brand and category marketing teams to translate culinary innovations into compelling product narratives that resonate with consumers.
  • Lead cross-functional project teams to ensure timely and successful execution of product development initiatives.
  • Monitor project progress and resource allocation to achieve strategic business goals efficiently.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Food Science, Meat Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in R&D or product development within the food manufacturing industry, with at least 7+ years in a leadership role. Experience in meat & poultry industry strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of successful product innovation and commercialization in a competitive market.
• Strong analytical and project management skills, with experience in leading cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing diverse stakeholders and driving organizational change.
• Passion for food creativity and consumer trends in thefood industry.
• Ability to travel approximately 15%.
• Can perform the functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following compensation and benefits:

• Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
• Paid Time Off: sick leave, vacation, and 6 company observed holidays;
• 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule;
• Base salary range of $250,000 –  $290,000; 
• Incentive Pay: This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s annual bonus plan, the amount of bonus varies and is subject to the standard terms and conditions of the incentive program; and
• Career Development:Our company is dedicated to supporting professional growth by offering continuous learning opportunities and a focus on career growth through various learning and development programs.

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in states where it is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for any given position, compensation ranges are specific to those states and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to a candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiencies for the role.

This position does not have an application deadline. We will continue to recruit until the position has been filled. 

The Company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct drug, alcohol, and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

About us: Pilgrim’s is a leading global food company with more than 62,000 team members worldwide. The company processes, prepares, packages, and delivers fresh, frozen, and value-added food products for customers in more than 100 countries. Pilgrim’s operates protein processing plants and prepared foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K, the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe. Pilgrim’s is headquartered in beautiful Greeley, Colorado, at the JBS USA corporate office where our 1,200 employees enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine a year.

Our mission: To be the best in all that we do, completely focused on our business, ensuring the best products and services to our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers, profitability for our shareholders and the opportunity of a better future for all of our team members.

Our core values are: Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, Sincerity

EOE, including disability/vets

Unsolicited Assistance: JBS and its companies do not accept unsolicited assistance from any recruitment vendors for any of our open jobs. All resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee at JBS and its companies or via the applicant tracking system, in any form without a valid written request and search agreement previously approved by HR, will be solely owned by JBS and its companies. No fees will be paid should the candidate be hired by JBS and its companies because of an unsolicited referral.

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