R&D Technical Team Lead

Lactalis USA is currently seeking candidates to join our R&D team in Nampa, ID.

Looking for a job that can turn into a lifelong career? At Lactalis USA, we believe in promoting from within and giving our employees opportunities to grow. Whether you're starting fresh or bringing years of experience, we'll provide the tools and support you need to succeed!

Lactalis, the world leader in dairy, is a family-owned business with more than 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals worldwide, committed to nurturing the future by providing healthy and delicious dairy products that bring people together every day. We produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together every day. We offer an enviable range of dairy brands including Galbani, President, Kraft Natural Cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Parmalat, Siggi's, and Stonyfield Organic in addition to several brands imported from our affiliates in Europe.

We live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity-and we're building a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.

From your PASSION to ours

Within a specific product group or channel of business, the R&D Technical team will be responsible for the technological and financial part of projects,

• To improve existing products, focusing on Quality and Cost savings
• To bring some technical support for new technology implementation and for cheese recovery improvement
• To work closely with manufacturing department to define the industrial feasibility and then to match the expected brief specifications.
• To support the R&D development and industrial transfer monitoring
• To be involved in financial results of Lactalis US Cheese Business

Will organize and implement trials, from conceptual stages through end of the projects, to reach the goals defined by the R&D Director.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Provide technical knowledge mainly on Mascarpone and Pasta filata cheese type (fresh mozzarella, pizza cheese and string cheese, which will improve quality, yields, or address any other areas identified by the company.
• Propose Ideas for new product developments
• Will propose and organize pilot plant or plant trials, interpret the results, and assist process development; will be responsible for writing well-structured thorough reports, with proper conclusions and recommendations
• Propose potential SAVING identifying improvement pathways
• Work with plant and engineering in conducting feasibility studies pertaining to new product development and product improvement and assist plants regarding CAPEX definition.
• Work closely and develop good relationships with other department (Marketing, Purchasing, Packaging, Manufacturing, QA, Legal and sales Team) and customers.
• Build strong collaborative relationships with site manager to define long term plans.
• Continually explore and evaluate ways to improve all aspects of production, including raw materials and ingredient usages, production techniques, specifications, packaging, shelf life, volumes, etc.
• Participate in Quality Assurance activities involving any number of issues or concerns. This may include activities such as HACCP analysis, good manufacturing practices, labeling, standards of identity etc.
• Coordinate all support activities including maintaining complex technical notes and records of activity.
• Ensure the confidentiality of our process, information.
• Participate in patent search to protect company business and ensure that all findings are properly documented and recorded.
• Develop and maintain contact inside R&D company network, including developing product and process for other countries and subsidiaries or sharing data, information, knowledge with other teams
• Develop and maintain both industry and academic contacts to remain current regarding technical developments.
• Monitor the progress of the R&D department, reporting any noteworthy concerns to the R&D director.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of R&D team members in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

• Organize and structure the efforts of the department staff to run pilot & plant trial related to specific projects.
• Help R&D Technician I&II in their personal development
• Help Research Scientist I for proposing and organizing pilot plant or plant trials
• Help Research Scientist I in their development

WORK CONDITIONS

• Travel may be required up to 30% monthly.
• Extended hours may be necessary depending on the project needs.
• To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer, phone or, and / or allowance(s) may be provided.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties and responsibilities.
• This position requires physical presence in the plant office, in accordance with the guidelines of the Hybrid Work Policy.
• Demonstrate commitment to a safe working environment that promotes the health and well-being of all employees and that will further contribute to the Company's overall performance and success.

From your STORY to ours
Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education

• Master's degree strongly preferred; a combination of education and extensive relevant experience may be considered in place of a graduate degree.
• A major in Dairy or Food Science is preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of 5+ years of related experience is required.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong Cheese process knowledge especially in pasta filata cheese type.
• Strong Food Technology knowledge (Microbiology / Physics / Biochemistry / Process)
• Strong Mathematics knowledge including statistics.
• Strong Communication skills to communicate with Top managers such as Plant Manager and VP Manufacturing
• Strong Computer skills with a working knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for report writing and presentations.

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities.