Director of Innovation

Actus Nutrition•Eden Prairie, MN

4d•$150,000 - $180,000

About The Position

Actus Nutrition has an opening based out of its headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minnesota for the position of Director of Innovation. Lead research and development, commercialization, and product development for company’s production facilities. Conceive and plan commercialization projects involving major production activities. Define and select new concepts and approaches to manufacturing operations. Align plant trials to support company strategies and initiatives. Provide technical training for operators to improve operational effectiveness. Identify, research, and adapt machine and equipment design to accommodate factory and production improvements. Lead and drive projects with significant productivity and cost reduction impacts, with a particular focus on yield, waste reduction, chemical usage, and optimization. Facilitate changes in supply chain with introduction of new concepts, products, or processes. Stay up to date on new regulations and current events. Ensure processes comply with government regulations and industry standards.

Requirements

Master’s Degree (or foreign equivalent degree) in Food Science, Dairy Technology, Dairy Science and Technology, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or a related specialty field and three years of experience (1) overseeing commercialization process in dairy manufacturing in areas of maintenance/process and facility management; (2) managing production of whey, casein, or caseinate from concept to final development; (3) evaluating trial data in dairy science and making product determinations based on analysis; and (4) managing research and development of dairy production operations to assist in business areas related to both production and sales.
In the alternative, employer will also accept a Bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent degree) in Food Science, Dairy Technology, Food Technology, Dairy Science and Technology, Food Engineering, or a related specialty field and five years of progressive, post-bachelor’s experience in the areas listed above.
Position requires some travel - up to 70% of the time – to company sites across the United States.

Responsibilities

Lead research and development, commercialization, and product development for company’s production facilities.
Conceive and plan commercialization projects involving major production activities.
Define and select new concepts and approaches to manufacturing operations.
Align plant trials to support company strategies and initiatives.
Provide technical training for operators to improve operational effectiveness.
Identify, research, and adapt machine and equipment design to accommodate factory and production improvements.
Lead and drive projects with significant productivity and cost reduction impacts, with a particular focus on yield, waste reduction, chemical usage, and optimization.
Facilitate changes in supply chain with introduction of new concepts, products, or processes.
Stay up to date on new regulations and current events.
Ensure processes comply with government regulations and industry standards.