Senior Manager - Research and Development

Running with Sasquatch is more than just a clever marketing campaign. As a Jack Link’s team member, Running with Sasquatch means we roll up our buffalo plaid sleeves and do the hard work first. We don’t shy away from challenges. In fact, we push hard and take risks. True to our North Woods roots, we're a bunch of ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things by driving results with innovation, creativity and a clear sense of urgency. Like our awesome protein products, we have an unwavering passion for quality, and you won’t find anything artificial here. What you see is what you get… authentic, humble and fun people who Run with Sasquatch!

Running with Sasquatch takes a team. We invite you to run with us, succeed with us, and celebrate with us. Most importantly, Feed Your Wild Side with us on our journey to be the dominant global leader of branded protein snacks!

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Still family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, and operates a total of 11 manufacturing and distribution facilities in four countries. Jack Link’s produces high-quality, great-tasting protein snacks that feed the wild sides of consumers around the world. Jack Link's Protein Snacks family of brands includes Jack Link's, Lorissa's Kitchen, World Kitchens Jerky, Bifi and Peperami.

This individual will play a key role in the development and execution of corporate Research and Development (R&D) initiatives including leading the strategy of the Innovation Center, Engineering, and developing the R&D digital footprint.  This includes:

• Leading the ongoing strategy for how the Innovation Center space is fully utilized to support Brand Fuel initiatives and explorations, 
• Developing the R&D IT platform, exploring new technologies to help drive efficiencies, capture and organize R&D data, and
• Coordinating the strategy for how engineering innovation intersects with product and packaging innovation.

The responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

Strategic Leadership & Innovation

• Lead the ongoing strategy, team development, and full utilization of the Innovation Center to support Brand Fuel initiatives and explorations.
• Drive continuous optimization of Innovation Center resources to maximize impact and efficiency.
• Spearhead the development and implementation of a robust R&D IT platform; identify and integrate emerging technologies to enhance efficiency, data capture, and reporting.
• Coordinate the strategic intersection of engineering innovation with product and packaging development.
• Participate in the innovation process for new idea generation, bringing creative solutions and fresh thinking to the table.
• Continuously assess and evolve the R&D digital strategy, including tools for data organization, reporting, and presentation.

Assess, design & implement R&D digital footprint Architecture:

• Integrate existing tools (MS Teams, Smartsheet, PLM, etc.) to enable basic data flow
• Standardize templates across Word, Excel and PowerPoint to ensure consistency and reduce manual effort
• Centralize documentation in SharePoint or OneDrive with clear folder structure and access controls
• Train Team Members on best practices for collaboration and file management.

Product Development & Commercialization:

• Support the business in developing new products aligned with consumer needs and market trends.
• Identify and evaluate manufacturing processes for new and improved products.
• Develop and manage project timelines; lead individual projects from concept to commercialization.
• Execute hands-on technical development and commercialization of new products in line with the NPD process.
• Log and maintain detailed records of test formulas, procedures, and outcomes.
• Provide input for new product cost analysis and feasibility assessments.
• Source and verify raw ingredients and materials for product development.

Quality & Continuous Improvement:

• Perform sensory audits of existing products, improvements, new products, and competitive samples.
• Champion quality awareness and maintain product quality across all product lines.
• Continuously improve products and processes to enhance quality, efficiency, and profitability.
• Document and maintain product and processing specifications, nutritional values, labeling, and regulatory compliance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with Operations, QA, and other R&D staff to schedule and execute plant trials.
• Participate in Consumer Insights activities to understand customer and consumer needs.
• Interact with Sales and Marketing teams to align product development with business goals and customer expectations.

Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary.

• Integrate existing tools (MS Teams, Smartsheet, PLM, etc.) to enable basic data flow
• Standardize templates across Word, Excel and PowerPoint to ensure consistency and reduce manual effort
• Centralize documentation in SharePoint or OneDrive with clear folder structure and access controls
• Train Team Members on best practices for collaboration and file management.

Required Education:

• Master of Science in Food Technology, Food Science or related field or equivalent

Required Experience:

• 8 + years of experience leading, developing and coaching a team
• Experience with meat development
• Experience with a variety of R&D Management tools including hardware, software.
• Working knowledge of food manufacturing at scale
• Demonstrated understanding of R&D experiment designs
• Experience with R&D data platforms, digital tools, and emerging technologies
• Proven track record of leading innovation initiatives and digital transformation within R&D environments
• Budget experience
• Self-motivated, hands-on and results oriented
• Must be able to collaborate effectively with various manufacturing, marketing, sales and other functional teams
• Must be flexible and able to work well in a team environment
• Comfortable in a fast paced, changing environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; must work effectively with all levels of management and Team Members
• Must demonstrate effective leadership, problem solving, project management, presentation, and employee motivational skills
• Proficient in Internet navigation, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Preferred: 

• Retail (CPG) product development experience

JACK LINK’S CORE VALUES:

Be Real, Speed Matters, Stewardship, Relationship Driven, Self-Discipline, and Show Awesome Character.

The salary range for this role is $144,700 - $198,990 (Annually).  Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.