R&D Process Group Manager

The Role:

We are looking for our next R&D Process Group Manager within our R&D Team.

Roquette is a leader in plant-based ingredients, dedicated to innovation and excellence. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced R&D Process Group Manager to join our dynamic team. This role is crucial in driving our research and development efforts to new heights, ensuring we remain at the forefront of technological advancements.

As the R&D Process Group Manager, you will lead a talented team of engineers, develop strategic roadmaps, and ensure the delivery of key performance indicators (KPIs). You will be responsible for overseeing the research and development activities in the areas of manufacturing support and innovation for Roquette's Protein, Starch and Polyol product lines, ensuring projects align with company goals and objectives. Additionally, you will lead the HSE and Food Quality program for the Americas R&D team.

This role will report directly to the Head of R&D Americas.

This position is located in Geneva, IL.

Compensation:

The current salary range for this role is estimated to be $139,365 - $188,600. In addition, this position may also be eligible to earn performance-based incentive compensation. The specific compensation offered to a candidate will be influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

What We Offer:

• A highly collaborative team environment with ample room for exponential career growth.
• Competitive pay, annual performance bonus, comprehensive benefits, 6.2% company retirement contribution, and professional development opportunities.
• Generous paid time off and 12 annual paid company holidays.
• 12 weeks 100% paid maternity leave, and up to 4 weeks 100% paid parental leave (including adoption/surrogacy/foster care leave) for non-birthing parents.
• Student loan repayment assistance and tuition reimbursement program for select roles.
• Annual wellness benefit and wellness centered programs focused on your health needs.

What You'll Do:

• Develop a high-performing team of engineers. Mentor and guide team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
  • Grow a collaborative and innovative team culture.
  • Identify ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
  • Apply technical expertise and hands on experience to mentor and develop junior staff.
  • Goal setting, monitoring employee performance, and assigning and supervising work tasks.

• Develop and implement a strategic roadmap for the R&D process group to support manufacturing and innovation for Roquette's protein, starch, and polyol businesses.
• Align the roadmap with the company's long-term goals and objectives.
• Identify emerging trends and technologies to incorporate into the strategic plan.

• Define, monitor, and report on KPIs to measure the success of R&D projects.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Implement continuous improvement practices to enhance process efficiency.

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of R&D projects.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project integration.
• Address and resolve any issues or challenges that arise during project development.

• Drive innovation by exploring new technologies to support manufacturing and innovation for Roquette's protein, starch, and polyol businesses.
• Encourage and support the team in conducting cutting-edge research.
• Evaluate and implement new tools and techniques to improve R&D processes.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to gather requirements and feedback.
• Present project updates and findings to senior management and other stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with academic and industry partners.

• Facilitate seamless collaboration with global R&D teams to align project goals, share insights, and integrate diverse technical expertise, ensuring innovative solutions are developed and implemented efficiently.
  • Maintain clear and consistent communication channels with global R&D counterparts, providing regular updates, technical reports, and feedback to ensure transparency and collective progress towards project milestones.
  • Demonstrate cultural awareness and adaptability in working with diverse teams across different time zones and regions, fostering an inclusive and productive environment that leverages global perspectives and skills.

• Develop and implement comprehensive Health, Safety, and Environmental policies and food quality standards for the R&D team, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
  • Conduct risk assessments and participate in safety audits of the R&D laboratories and pilot plant. Collaborate with regional and global HSE and Quality experts to identify targeted training programs to enhance the team's understanding of HSE protocols and food quality control measures.
  • Establish metrics for monitoring HSE and food quality performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Additionally, the R&D Process Group Manager will execute independent research and/or manufacturing support projects and therefore should also demonstrate the following skills:

• Take full ownership of an independent research or manufacturing project, from conception to completion.
• Develop detailed project plans aligned with organizational goals, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks to ensure successful project execution.
• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

• Conduct cutting-edge research to develop new technologies, products, or processes.
• Apply deep technical knowledge to solve complex problems, integrate relevant advancements, and ensure scientific rigor.
• Foster a culture of innovation within the team, promoting creative problem-solving and novel approaches.

• Collaborate effectively with other departments and stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of project outcomes.
• Provide regular updates and reports to senior management, presenting findings and recommendations clearly and concisely.
• Engage with stakeholders to gather requirements, provide updates, and incorporate feedback.

• Efficiently manage project resources, including budget, personnel, and materials, ensuring all activities stay within allocated limits.
• Define, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure project progress and success.
• Make data-driven decisions to improve project performance and achieve or exceed predefined objectives.

By meeting these consolidated expectations, the R&D Process Group Manager will significantly contribute to the advancement of the organization's research and development goals, driving innovation and excellence in their independent project.

What You'll Need:

Education:

• Master's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field. A PhD is a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10-15 years of industrial experience in corn, starch or polyol processing.
  • Demonstration of technical expertise in at least 2 of the following areas:
    • Milling (dry and or wet)
    • Separation
    • Starch conversion (extraction and/or modification)
    • Production of by-products (oil, gluten meal, gluten feed, etc.)
    • Fermentation
    • Sweetener production (hydrolysis, isomerization, hydrogenation)
    • Drying technologies (evaporation, crystallization, etc.)
  • Additional specific experience required:

• Proven experience in managing R&D teams and projects.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Proactive approach to improve processes and productivity.
• Excellent strategic planning and project management abilities.
• Solid understanding of R&D processes and methodologies.
• Proficiency in data analysis.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Responsible for a team of 8 engineers, scientists, interns and co-ops

Work Environment and Travel

• This role spends approximately 50% of the time in an office environment and 50% of the time in the pilot plant and plant environment (Keokuk).
• Occasional international travel may be expected.
• Expectation of ~30% travel both domestic and international.

AAP/EEO Statement

Roquette is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. "AAP, EEO, Drug-Free Workplace"

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.