Senior Manager of WIFI Research & Development

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Drive innovation and deliver business growth across the Wholesale, Industrial, Foodservice, and International (WIFI) portfolio. As a Senior Manager of WIFI Research and Development, you will lead a team of technical professionals while partnering cross-functionally to develop and commercialize high-quality food products that meet customer, consumer, and business needs. You will oversee resource allocation, guide product development strategy, and champion innovation from concept through commercialization. This role is ideal for a collaborative and results-driven leader who excels at developing talent, influencing cross-functional teams, and bringing innovative food solutions to market.

The salary range for this position is $128,000 - $192,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).  

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.  

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure a best-in-class safety, regulatory, and food safety/GMP compliance culture across laboratories, pilot plants, and manufacturing environments; establish governance, audit readiness, and corrective action prioritization for the segment portfolio.
• Own technical consumer and customer knowledge for assigned business segments.
• Partner with Marketing to understand consumers, including demographics, product usage, purchase drivers, and trends that impact product development.
• Collaborate to create and manage strategic plans and utilize consumer insights to create innovative new products that support company business goals.
• Lead the evaluation and application of new technologies relevant to the assigned business segment and product portfolio in support of new product initiatives, cost improvements, quality improvements, and technical brand maintenance, including USDA and government compliance.
• Drive strategic and tactical decisions regarding activities and project assignments to ensure the effective allocation of resources.
• Champion the new product development process and provide resource estimates.
• Leverage extensive knowledge of the competitive landscape and the Company's position within it to deliver against key business priorities and key performance indicators.
• Develop and assist in setting performance standards for the technical community.
• Train, coach, and support the growth and promotability of direct reports through ongoing performance feedback.
• Partner with Marketing, Operations, and other relevant functions to establish priorities aligned with business needs.
• Maintain an updated list of current projects for the assigned business segment.
• Serve as the lead technical interface with cross-functional partners in support of new products and improvement initiatives.
• Excel in making tactical decisions to support management of the technical program and assigned business segment.
• Oversee or assist in overseeing assigned budget line items as needed.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, or a related discipline.
• 10 years of related work experience.
• 7 years of relevant consumer products and food industry experience.
• Proven track record of new product development and commercialization.
• Expert knowledge of the product development process from concept through commercialization.
• Outstanding cross-functional team player.
• Ability to translate customer and consumer needs and business objectives into innovative new product design requirements.
• Expert knowledge of poultry processing and/or related food product systems.
• Excellent communication, attention to detail, organizational, analytical, and presentation skills.
• Prior supervisory and project management experience.
• Ability to travel up to 35% of the time.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position is primarily sedentary but may require occasional movement between offices or buildings.
• May move light equipment or supplies.
• May access files, supplies, and equipment.
• Work is performed in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment.
• When in a plant environment, may be exposed to wet and moist floors, including metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures ranging from 28 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, including ambient conditions and 100% humidity.
• May handle products ranging from 25 degrees Fahrenheit to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise levels ranging from 50 dB to 110 dB.
• May be exposed to chemicals used in a poultry food processing facility.
• Wear and use protective and safety equipment as required by the Company.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.