Research Technical Team Lead
Triumph Foods, Sturgis, MI, United States
SUMMARY
The Research Technical Team Lead manages Triumph Foods' research and development program, driving innovation in process optimization and quality improvement. This role will have oversee R&D team efforts and collaborates cross-functionally with Innovation, Food Safety Quality Assurance, and Operations to improve existing processes, reduce costs, and maintain the highest standards of food safety and quality. The Research Manager serves as a technical expert on meat science and plays a critical role in maintaining our competitive edge in premium pork processing.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Research & Product Development
Design and execute applied research projects focused on product quality, shelf-life extension, yield improvement, and process optimization.
Evaluate raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and processing technologies to enhance product performance and cost efficiency.
Develop and maintain project protocols, process documentation, and technical reports.
Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, consumer preferences, and competitive products to identify opportunities.
Team Management
Manage and mentor the R&D supervisor and team; oversee scheduling, assignments, training, and professional development.
Ensure the R&D Department operates in compliance with USDA-FSIS regulations, HACCP protocols, and company quality standards.
Oversee analytical testing programs including chemical, microbiological, and physical analysis of raw materials and finished products.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate with Operations to scale up products and processes from R&D to full production, troubleshoot processing issues, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with and support Innovation Team efforts.
Other duties may be assigned to this position.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Animal Science, or a closely related discipline.
Strong working knowledge of pork processing operations, including slaughter, fabrication, further processing, and packaging.
Thorough understanding of USDA-FSIS regulations, HACCP principles, and food safety management systems.
Proficiency in statistical analysis, experimental design, and data-driven decision making.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results on time.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present technical information to diverse audiences.
Master's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, or related field. Preferred
Experience in a high-volume, USDA-inspected pork or multi-species processing environment. Preferred
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters when performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The work environment is normally split between an office setting and the stockyards facility, and may require travel through the entire facility (including areas with climate extremes) and to external locations.
DISCLAIMER
This position description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general responsibilities and requirements necessary to be successful in this role. Triumph Foods may, in its discretion, modify or revise the position description in order to meet the company's changing business needs.
EEO/AA INFORMATION
Triumph Foods is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other protected group status or non-job-related characteristic as directed by law.
AGE REQUIREMENT
You must be at least 18 years of age to work at Triumph Foods. Applications from individuals under 18 will not be considered.
The Research Technical Team Lead manages Triumph Foods' research and development program, driving innovation in process optimization and quality improvement. This role will have oversee R&D team efforts and collaborates cross-functionally with Innovation, Food Safety Quality Assurance, and Operations to improve existing processes, reduce costs, and maintain the highest standards of food safety and quality. The Research Manager serves as a technical expert on meat science and plays a critical role in maintaining our competitive edge in premium pork processing.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Research & Product Development
Design and execute applied research projects focused on product quality, shelf-life extension, yield improvement, and process optimization.
Evaluate raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and processing technologies to enhance product performance and cost efficiency.
Develop and maintain project protocols, process documentation, and technical reports.
Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, consumer preferences, and competitive products to identify opportunities.
Team Management
Manage and mentor the R&D supervisor and team; oversee scheduling, assignments, training, and professional development.
Ensure the R&D Department operates in compliance with USDA-FSIS regulations, HACCP protocols, and company quality standards.
Oversee analytical testing programs including chemical, microbiological, and physical analysis of raw materials and finished products.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate with Operations to scale up products and processes from R&D to full production, troubleshoot processing issues, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with and support Innovation Team efforts.
Other duties may be assigned to this position.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Animal Science, or a closely related discipline.
Strong working knowledge of pork processing operations, including slaughter, fabrication, further processing, and packaging.
Thorough understanding of USDA-FSIS regulations, HACCP principles, and food safety management systems.
Proficiency in statistical analysis, experimental design, and data-driven decision making.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results on time.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present technical information to diverse audiences.
Master's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, or related field. Preferred
Experience in a high-volume, USDA-inspected pork or multi-species processing environment. Preferred
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters when performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The work environment is normally split between an office setting and the stockyards facility, and may require travel through the entire facility (including areas with climate extremes) and to external locations.
DISCLAIMER
This position description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general responsibilities and requirements necessary to be successful in this role. Triumph Foods may, in its discretion, modify or revise the position description in order to meet the company's changing business needs.
EEO/AA INFORMATION
Triumph Foods is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other protected group status or non-job-related characteristic as directed by law.
AGE REQUIREMENT
You must be at least 18 years of age to work at Triumph Foods. Applications from individuals under 18 will not be considered.