Purpose of the Position

The primary responsibility of this position will be to identify, develop, and carry out key research projects to significantly drive customer objectives. This position will work with business leaders for specific customers to identify potential areas of improvement using new applications for existing products or processes.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt position.

Specific responsibilities include: Planning and executing experiments on the bench top, in the pilot plant, and in production plant settings; working on key research projects; and coordinating all activities to ensure successful completion of research projects with recommendations.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills required. Strong presentation skills required. Must have the ability to effectively communicate with all functional and business unit management groups.

The successful candidate will be considered a subject matter expert in at least one major area within Simmons Foods Inc., and have strong analytical thinking skills, and possess strong project management skills.

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures and move about in a manufacturing environment, kitchen environment, office environment, and surrounding property. Lifts heavy boxes, equipment or other required objects (up to 50 lbs) as needed. Will use laboratory/kitchen/cooking equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Face masks/shields may be required in office settings. Additional PPE as required by facility.

Travel: 12 plus domestic trips per year.

Technical Experience: Culinary degree or BS and 11+ years of experience or MS and 8+ years of experience or PhD and 6+ years of experience in Research and Development with diverse research experience. Must have an excellent working knowledge of all R&D processes and plant operations as well as good technical and people skills.

Industry Experience: R&D knowledge in the food manufacturing industry preferred.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Meat Science or Animal Science, or Food Science

Preferred Education: Master’s degree or PhD in related field.

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.