OverviewThe Associate Manager is responsible for supporting the R&D team in delivering innovation that will contribute to volume growth in all potential channels and that will help us realize our mission of providing access to health and nutrition for more than one billion people.
All our innovations are based on our beliefs, including:
- Nutrition: Fruit-forward product portfolio
- Environment: Consumer-facing packaging designed to be sustainable by 2030
The innovation funnel will include a combination of projects designed to sustain growth of our "core" products (ingredients, beverages, frozen etc.) but may also include expanding into new categories identified as "white space" opportunities by the business.
This role provides flexibility to work in a hybrid environment of home and our Westlake Village, CA office. (Hybrid is defined as 3 times per week in the office).
Responsibilities- Support the R&D team in the delivery of the innovation pipeline in partnership with cross functional teams.
- Manage assigned projects (L0-L3) through the project management / stage gate process, delivering on defined scope, timelines, and objectives.
- Provide technical input on product feasibility, including recommendations for internal (make) versus external (buy) development approaches.
- Support management of third party product and packaging development partners, where required, to develop, evaluate, and test products.
- Work collaboratively with Procurement to support selection and engagement of appropriate third party manufacturing partners.
- Support product, process, and packaging development activities, including learning and applying packaging models, testing methodologies, and packaging fundamentals.
- Own project level COG targets, supporting development of cost assumptions and identifying project level cost savings opportunities under guidance.
- Support specification development and maintenance for formulations and packaging.
- Contribute to manufacturing trials and support learnings related to formulation, process, and packaging performance.
- Other duties as assigned
QualificationsExperience, Knowledge, & Skills You Bring:
- 2-4 years of experience in R&D, Innovation, Product Development, QA, or similar roles.
- Working knowledge of:
- Product development (formulation, ingredient selection, stability testing, etc.)
- Specification writing and management (formulation and packaging)
- Process development (manufacturing capabilities, technologies, equipment selection, contract manufacturing)
- Packaging fundamentals and models, including testing concepts and performance requirements
- Industry standard quality systems (e.g., GMP, HACCP, GFSI)
- Exposure to COG development and project level cost management.
- Demonstrated ability to support delivery of innovation into the marketplace.
- Ability to work cross functionally across manufacturing, marketing, sales, supply chain, and external partners.
What You'll Need to Succeed:
- Passionate about a purpose driven career
- Passionate about collaborating respectfully in diverse and inclusive team environments
- Proactively seeks feedback and continuously improves work quality
- Consistently adheres to ethical standards and maintains transparency
- Actively contributes to achieving collective team goals
Education & Certification:
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, or science-based equivalent is required.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit and use the computer for extended periods of time; ability to answer phones and use a variety of office equipment; ability to lift 15 pounds and reach overhead.
Travel Requirements:
- Occasional travel may be required (10-15%)
Hiring Pay Scale: $75,000 to $95,000
Dole Packaged Foods is committed to paying our Associates fairly and equitably. The pay rate offered will consider a wide range of factors, including but not limited to experience, education, accomplishments, and location. Pay scales are subject to review on a regular basis and will be updated as appropriate.
