Research and Development Project Leader

OUR TEAM IS OUR BEST ASSET

About West Liberty Foods

West Liberty Foods manufactures hundreds of meat and poultry products that can be found in well-known grocery stores and top restaurant chains nationwide. Recognized as one of the top protein processors in North America, we have the capacity to produce over 650 million pounds of food products per year across our facilities. We are The Surprisingly Big Company, and we're right in your backyard.

Build your career with West Liberty Foods and be a part of an exciting, collaborative team environment!

We are currently hiring for:

Job Title: Research & Development Project Leader

Salary Range: Depending on Experience; $62,000 to $80,000

Job Summary: The Research and Development Project Leader is responsible for new product development, process improvement and cost reduction efforts. This role will support the formulation, testing and commercialization of products.

This position will be based out of our corporate offices in West Liberty, Iowa.

Job Responsibilities:

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  Focus on development of meat formulations focusing on deli meat applications.

  
  
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  Apply science and technology to meat research and development.

  
  
• Conduct and sensory studies internally and externally.
• Interpret data that is collected.
• Plan and design product processes working with operations and engineering teams.
• Collect and analyze data collected during development processes.
• Report plant trial findings, determine next steps and provide recommendations throughout the project timeline.
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  Lead research in connection with new product development.

  
  
• Lead research in connection with process development and process improvement.
• Provide technical support and expertise in relation to new products and processes.
• Lead cost reduction initiatives as it relates to development of current and new products.
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  Other duties as assigned.

  
  

Job Requirements:

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  Minimum of 3 years of related research and development experience in the meat industry is preferred.

  
  
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  Bachelor's Degree in Meat Science, related field or equivalent experience.

  
  
• Knowledge of Genesis Programming.
• Sandwich development experience would be a plus.
• Seeking experience working with turkey in development stages.
• Experience in a pilot plant setting is preferred.
• Ability to travel for production facility needs and customer meetings.
• HACCP and meat and nutritional labeling requirements is a plus.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment is beneficial.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead a team of resourceful and skilled team members in project completion.
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  Must be a problem solver and critical thinker.

  
  
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to adjust quickly to changing demands.
• Advanced computer skills including Google Suite.
• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends according to schedule.
• Candidates must successfully pass a post-offer/pre-employment drug test and background screen.

West Liberty Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

West Liberty Foods is committed to providing all team members with predictable work schedules that accommodate the universal need to spend time away from work to rest, relax, and spend time with family and friends. However, as a food manufacturer, West Liberty Foods is responsible for producing perishable products. To help ensure that our food products meet the quality and safety standards our customers expect, team members may, at times, be asked or expected to work overtime, weekends, or holidays. West Liberty Foods remains committed to its overtime, weekend, and holiday pay policies, and will schedule team members for those hours on a volunteer-first basis, whenever possible.

To be considered an applicant for this position, you must apply online on our career site at https://careers.wlfoods.com/.

The following benefits are available:

• Medical, Dental, Vision & Prescription Coverage
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Educational Assistance Program
• Discount Benefits
• Additional Voluntary Benefits

Disclosures: Pursuant to the Illinois Equal Pay Act, this posting includes the good faith, budgeted pay scale and general description of benefits that the employer reasonably expects to offer a successful, qualified applicant for this position as of the date of this posting with future pay and benefits subject to change based on employment conditions including, but not limited to, knowledge, skills, and experience; performance; shift(s) worked; hours worked; department or business line; geographic location; and other market conditions in accordance with company policies and the at-will nature of this employment opportunity.