Research & Development Manager

Smithfield Foods • Smithfield, VA

1d

About The Position

As a Research & Development Manager, you will lead the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge research and development initiatives that drive business success. Leveraging both existing and emerging technologies, you will transform ideas into market-ready solutions that enhance competitive differentiation and fuel strategic growth. Collaboration is at the heart of this role—building strong cross-functional relationships ensures seamless planning and execution of initiatives. Your ability to identify and cultivate consumer-valued innovations will shape the future of the company, driving both tactical advancements and long-term business expansion.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Food Science or related field and 5+ years’ relevant plant manufacturing experience in the meat processing industry, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership, required.
• Experience with multifaceted management of multiple projects and areas of responsibility.
• Able to work independently to ensure completion of R&D strategic goals.
• Must be able to identify consumer insights and translate them into finished products.
• Proven track record with working effectively as a business leader and cross functional teams.
• Able to multi-task, think creatively, and work as part of a team.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that all new or updated product requests from Sales are processed efficiently, following Sales Management prioritization.
• Review customer-requested product developments and internal process improvements while maintaining regular communication with Business, Operations, Sales, Marketing, and Quality Assurance to provide updates and gather feedback to meet customer expectations.
• Coordinate with Labeling, QA, and Food Safety Departments to ensure accuracy in product information while arranging timely project updates with Business, Sales and Operations.
• Provide technical expertise to Lab personnel and customers as needed and collaborate with Purchasing to approve new ingredients and supplies.
• Collaborate with Production to enhance processes for improved yields and reduced labor costs while proactively preventing product or process failures through strategic planning, process controls, and training.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date files, including labels, specifications, and SQF requirements, to ensure compliance and operational efficiency
• Drive a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

Benefits

• Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.
• Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.
• Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential.
• Our partnership with GUILD supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning and various certificate programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high-potential talent.
• For those looking to build specialized skills, we offer apprenticeship programs that combine hands-on experience with focused learning.
• We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.
• Smithfield’s Education Reimbursement Program provides financial reimbursement to team members who want to further their formal education by obtaining a GED/High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma or by pursuing an academic degree at an accredited college or university that is not a Guild learning partner.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager