Position Summary:
The Manager, Technical Applications Group (TAG) is responsible for leading a cross-functional technical team delivering product, process, and packaging solutions that support Nestlé Health Science's innovation, renovation, and business maintenance initiatives.
This role provides end-to-end technical leadership across projects, including development, scale-up, and commercialization, ensuring solutions are compliant, manufacturable, and aligned with business objectives. TAG serves as a key technical function delivering product, process, and packaging support across the North American business and executing development or optimization work using established technologies.
This remote role requires approximately 30% travel. Candidates based in the Eau Claire, WI or Franklin Park, IL markets are preferred.
Responsibilities:
- Lead delivery of product, process, packaging, and ingredient initiatives supporting Innovation & Renovation (I&R), cost optimization, and business maintenance
- Drive end-to-end execution of cross-functional technical projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment to scope, timelines, and business objectives
- Partner with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply Chain to deliver compliant, manufacturable solutions and resolve risks and issues
- Provide technical leadership and support to manufacturing sites, including scale-up, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement to enhance efficiency and quality
- Implement I&R strategies for supported categories, prioritizing resources and budgets to meet project and business needs
- Lead introduction of new products and processes into factories, including technology transfers, supplier/co-manufacturer support, and global initiative execution
- Ensure adherence to Nestlé standards, GMP, and regulatory requirements; support audits and drive resolution of compliance gaps
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing technical team; build capabilities in product and process mastership and drive team engagement and performance
- Enable knowledge transfer and act as a technical training and coaching resource to manufacturing teams, addressing root causes and improving operational capability
- Drive continuous improvement across products, processes, and tools to improve quality, speed, and cost efficiency while leveraging internal and external best practices
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field (advanced degree preferred)
- 5+ years of experience in CPG, food manufacturing, technical applications, or product development
- Experience leading cross-functional technical projects and delivering through stage-gate processes
- Prior people leadership or team management experience, preferred
- Strong knowledge of food manufacturing, ingredient/product design, and commercialization processes
- Working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, QMS, and applicable regulatory standards (e.g., CFR Title 21)
- Experience introducing new products/processes into manufacturing environments
- Familiarity with cross-functional operations across R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain; cross-market experience preferred
- Proficiency with enterprise systems/tools (e.g., SAP) preferred
Skills:
- Strong technical expertise across product, process, and/or packaging
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without authority
- Strong project management, prioritization, and execution skills
- Analytical problem-solving and sound decision-making capability
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills (written, verbal, presentation)
- Demonstrated ability to coach and develop others
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
- Collaborative mindset with ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity
The approximate pay range for this position is $120,000- $140,000 base. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as geographic location.
Nestle offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefits packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at:
About Us | Nestlé Careers (nestlejobs.com)
