R&D Mgr - Know Your Fruit

Know Your Fruit is a new food processor opening in Hood River.  They have the following opening:

Job Title: Quality/Research & Development Manager
Reports To: General Manager
Direct Reports: Quality Assurance Technicians
Description: The Quality/Research & Development Manager will be the functional expert providing leadership, strategic and tactical direction and accountability in areas including process development, product development, quality systems, and general food science principals. This position is responsible for recommending and implementing policies and practices that improve company overall effectiveness, managing team members within related functions, and supporting business objectives for food safety, production efficiencies, and growth.
Responsibilities:
· Design, implement, and manage effective quality management systems
· Design processes for new products, and build improvements into current processes
· Keep up to date with the latest food and food processing trends
· Keep up to date with the competitive marketplace, making directional recommendations for new products
· Assess and develop processes and procedures to foster continuous improvement and accountability between departments, within team and with external suppliers
· Provide system expertise and drive improved utilization of ERP and other software platforms
· Provide direct supervision and managerial responsibilities to assigned teams
· Asses and make recommendations for the use of new technologies
· Build and maintain positive relationships with customers and suppliers
· Play an active role in meetings and projects as part of the operations leadership team
· Adhere to all company policies and practices to help maintain a safe, efficient, and respectful environment
· Collaboratively perform other duties as needed and directed to support the goals of the company
Position Requirements:
· Bachelor’s degree in related field, Food Science highly preferred
· Minimum 5 years of related Quality and/or Research & Development experience; freeze drying and/or IQF preferred
· Working experience with ERP systems
· Working knowledge of HACCP and GMP’s required
· Working knowledge of LEAN principles, AGILE product development a strong plus
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office programming required
· Self-starter, motivated, with strong analytical/problem solving skills
· Excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize multiple projects & deadlines, strong attention to detail
Version: 5/12/2018
· Experience with agricultural commodities and/or frozen products preferred
· Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
· A valid driver’s license and passport
· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively; provide exceptional customer service and ability to build vendor relationships
Work Environment: A person must be able to walk, sit, and climb stairs. Office, manufacturing, and offsite locations are all within the job scope. Travel expectations could be up to 25%, and this could include agricultural and international locations. Occasionally lifting/moving up to 50 lb may also be required.


Interested parties should contact Jacqueline Alexander at jacqueline@knowyourfruit.com