Director Product Innovation

Job Type:

People are at the heart of our success. Our culture encourages collaboration, transparency, and accountability in order to generate value and achieve sustainable results. Being part of the team means committing to an environment where everyone’s impact truly matters.

At Agropur, each role aims to generate value and have a tangible impact on collective performance.

Context to maximize your impact:

• Salary range 008: $153,700 - $192,100 (Salary will be determined based on skills, education, training & experience related to the position.)

• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance 

• 401(k) with 7% company contributions 

• 3 weeks Paid Time Off

• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays

• Paid parental leave

• Advancement Opportunities

Where you will drive value:

We are looking for a Director Product Innovation in Eden Prairie, MN.

The Director Product Innovation provides oversight to the operations of the Protein Applications Center and serves Agropur Ingredients as the technical expert in whey-derived ingredients. This role provides direction to the product development activities using Agropur’s ingredient portfolio, guiding the sales team with innovative ideas, and trouble-shooting customer challenges.

• Manage direct reports, including hiring, providing annual reviews, training opportunities, project management, experimental design, coaching, guidance in travel for customer visits, plant trials, effectiveness of communication, collaboration and outlining succession management activities as needed.

• Provide leadership to keep the team members engaged, motivated, informed, and well trained to meet the current and future needs of Agropur.

• Provide guidance to the team members in product development to match the evolving market needs and consumer preferences.

• Integrate with sales team to understand customer and product development needs in various geographical areas.

• Participate in dialog with customers to explore innovations and offer support.

• Collaborate with marketing to provide technical leadership.

• Identify and nurture relationships with academic experts who can provide support to Agropur’s ingredient research.

What will enable you to have an impact:

• Master’s Degree in Food Science or related field required.

• Ph.D. in Food Science or related field preferred.

• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

• Five plus (5+) years of experience in product development with proteins, preferably milk-derived proteins, required.

• Three plus (3+) years of experience in people management or supervisory responsibilities required.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

A role aligned with what creates the greatest collective impact.

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AA/EEO – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Agropur welcomes people from all backgrounds and origins. We are proud to be an employer with a diverse community and are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive experience for all employees and applicants. We will work with candidates who request accommodation. Please note that an adequate knowledge of French is required for positions in Quebec. Agropur uses artificial intelligence technology to assist our recruiters in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position. 

In this text, the use of the masculine gender to designate persons is intended only to lighten the text.