Experience

Zentis Group

• Germany
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• 300 - 400 Employee

• Senior Strategic Innovation Manager

  • Jan 2023 - Present

  · Analyze category trends, market performance, and consumer insights to identify business opportunities.· Lead product innovation research process including ideation, briefing, research and testing (including concept evaluation and prioritization)· Make strategic recommendations on product innovations based upon customer and their consumer’s needs. · Lead the briefing process for the internal teams to ensure innovation is spent against the highest return opportunities and are both operationally and financially sound· Partner with Zentis Global R&D and Market Intelligence team to leverage insights and product innovation for North America. · Stay current on latest research innovative approaches, data sources, as well as consumer trends and needs.· Identify new business customers and nurtures relationship through innovation.· Stay informed with the latest food trends to drive focus development for new customer. · Understand the needs of all new customers and develop innovation strategy that is suited for their business· Attend industry shows to stay abreast to current and future market trends and to build business relationship with new customers. · Develop a robust pipeline of innovation with R&D to create new products/concepts for new customers.· Conduct brainstorming ideations sessions with internal teams to drive product pipeline offerings for new and existing customers.· Maintain current customer relationships and identify new areas of opportunities for those customers.· Connect with potential customers to establish a business relationship and meet with them. Show less

• Key Account Executive

  • Feb 2022 - Jan 2023

  · Manage current customer accounts and generate new business with new and existing customers. · Manage margin expansion across customers’ P&L.· Provide forecast to support SOP process.· Manage customer relationships by building trust to improve business results.· Mange customer issues and worked towards resolutions.· Partnered with cross functional teas to satisfy customers.· Work with customers and Zentis R&D to drive product innovation.



Sunnyside Fresh

• United States
• Food Production
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of R&D

  • Apr 2020 - Feb 2022

  · Led cross-functional teams in the technical aspects of product development through the investigation, planning, execution, evaluation and reporting on new product and new process development and key customer plant trials. · Allocated resources needed to implement new product platforms and line extensions to drive innovation for Sunnyside’s product offering in alignment with culinary trends and emerging opportunities. · Built an innovation pipeline of new products to be presented and sold to customers. · Ensured proper resourcing and project management to drive strategic customer projects and completion of the department's projects and goals. · Established and maintained a process for prioritizing customer projects, ensuring sales communication, feedback and customer project completion, in keeping with industry standards. · Document observed results, analyze data, draw conclusions, and make recommendations during product development activities. · Lead all technical development activities to scale up for commercialization, product launch, and post-launch monitoring including development of formula, product specifications, and quality criteria. · Developed, implemented, and refined department policies and processes for regulatory, nutritional labeling, documentation and filing, product quality (sensory attributes) and other determined areas. · Championed continuous product and process improvement for greater product quality and profitability. · Participated in sales, marketing, and consumer insights activities to understand customer and market needs. Show less



Dunkin'

• United States
• Food and Beverage Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• R&D Manager - Innovation & Beverage

  • Oct 2018 - Mar 2020

  · Developed a robust pipeline of innovative products and platforms for Baskin Robbins domestic and international markets to meet the needs of target consumers and the financial objectives of Dunkin’ Brands.· Worked closely with marketing partners to identify new beverages, ice cream carries and toppings for Baskin Robbins Domestic and International Markets.· Created innovation product concepts for testing with Dunkin’s Brands’ Consumer Feedback Panel.· Worked closely with consumer insight partners to understand new trends and consumer needs.· Maintained the growth of menu by identifying gaps in the current menu offering and new product growth opportunities · Streamline the development of new products by utilizing existing products and equipment in stores, as well as improve current procedures and platforms.· Worked closely with franchisees and licensees’ partner to sell in new products in order to get their buy in both domestically and internationally. · Developed new procedures to build menu items with operations partners to maximize efficiencies. · Maintained existing and develop new supplier relationships to keep the R&D toolbox full of new ideas and solutions.· Responsible for quarterly innovation updates/presentations for Domestic and International Teams· Executed product cuttings both internally and off-site for Domestic and International teams.· Managed multiple projects ensuring that deliverables are received in a timely manner.· Completed Culinary Briefs for cross-functional teams which provide detailed information of product build, equipment and procedures.· Managed, trained and mentored R&D Intern. Show less

• Senior Innovation Technologist

  • Feb 2017 - Oct 2018



Rita's Italian Ice

• United States
• Food and Beverage Services
• 500 - 600 Employee

• Senior R&D Manager

  • Nov 2015 - Jan 2017

  · Manage Rita’s R&D department, including hiring, managing, training and mentored all R&D Associates and Interns.· Develop the vision and strategic plan for Rita’s R&D in order to align to the organization mission and goals.· Led Rita’s innovation initiatives through ideations session, concept screening and market research.· Oversee Quality Assurance program ensuring the quality of all Rita’s products.· Lead all product innovations and key product initiatives including validating a secondary custard supplier for the Rita’s system.· Key R&D Liaison for vendors and franchisees as well as, for internal partners such as Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance and Operations.· Built relationships with franchisees in order to garner better working relationships· Worked closely with marketing partners to identify new consumer trends and new menu opportunities.· Develop annual product concept screener in order to week out which new products consumer were most interested in. · Menu Management: Reviewed existing menu with marketing partners in order to detect low performing products and identify new product growth opportunities.· Directed the expansion of Rita’s Frozen Novelty program to include new menu items.· Lead the development of Custard with a secondary custard manufacturer to quality improvement and distribution efficiency. · Worked with Operations to develop new technologies to improve efficiency of Guest service standards for Rita's products.· Streamlined operations with new and existing equipment, as well as improve current procedures and programs.· Manage new packaging and equipment development for the Rita’s Franchise system.· Qualified new equipment for Rita’s stores.• Directed all consumer market research initiatives. Show less

• Product Development Manager

  • Feb 2015 - Nov 2015

  Managerial Responsibilities:·Managed, trained, mentored R&D Interns.·Maintained responsibility for Quality Assurance of all Rita’s products.·Built and maintained relationships with the franchisees and vendors.·Supported Supply Chain Department with evaluations of all new suppliers and vendors for quality and packaging.·Liaison between R&D and Operations to address questions and quality concerns with products and equipment in the field.Product Development Responsibilities:·Developed new products and recipes including new flavors and menu offerings.·Worked in conjunction with vendor on Aseptic/Shelf Stable Custard development for quality improvement and distribution efficiency. ·Managed and supervised pilot production area at Rita’s headquarters including the monitoring of current product inventory, equipment updates, repairs and scheduling of production.·Developed rollout guides including operational training materials and procedures for products and equipment.·Maintained nutrition information for all Rita’s products including development, storage and tracking.·Determined the appropriate packaging for products including Rita’s Single Serve Custard Cookie.·Worked with Operations to develop new technologies to improve efficiency of Guest service standards for Rita's products.·Streamlined operations with new and existing equipment, as well as improve current procedures and programs.·Qualified new equipment for Rita’s stores.Consumer Research Responsibilities:•Initiated market research studies, including: - Vetted & Hired Market Research vendor - Qualified Validity of Studies - Applied Analysis for Decision Making on products·Determined the correct methodology for consumer likelihood testing on new and reformulated products, as well as the development of product concept. ·Created protocols for consumer testing, product cuttings/inspections and shelf life testing.·Conducted shelf life testing on products for Quality Assurance. Show less



Campbell's

• United States
• Food and Beverage Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Product Developer

  • Jun 2012 - Nov 2013

  • Developed formulas for new product platforms in Campbell’s Innovation Development Team, including:o Go Soup (6 SKU’s) o Skillet Sauces (6 SKU’s)o Slow Cookers Brands (6 SKU’s)o Squeeze Snacks (not launched as of 2012)o Rice Sides – Microwavableo Pasta Sides – Microwavable• Nurtured new brands from concept through commercialization, manufacturing and new brand stabilization. • Work in collaboration with internal technical groups (i.e. marketing and supply chain) to bring technical solutions to consumers’ daily meal solution needs.• Attend new product startups at co-manufacturing plants.• Executed production scale-up at various co-manufacturing facilities.· Developed $40 million in net sales in Campbell Soup Company Innovation Division for new brands.· Cost reduced product formulations to match in-market products in order to ensure margins are met. · Performed analytical testing, maintain ingredient inventories, and document lab activities to ensure compliance with OSHA requirements and Campbell policies.· Coordinated product evaluations including sample presentation, documentation of data, and summary of conclusions. Show less

• Sensory Research Analyst

  • Apr 2006 - Jun 2012

  • Directly managed seven technical staff members.• Managed testing budget lines including staff, consumer research and testing supplies.• Developed continuous relationships with vendors and internal departments.• Trained technician staff on Sensory test protocols and post test data handling in order to increase their proficiency in sample preparation and data collection.• Oversaw all inventory, vendors and purchase orders for the Sensory department.• Governed the management of all Sensory databases including consumer, product usage, and test results databases. • Headed an internal descriptive panel designed to rapidly profile Campbell’s products against key competitors for the purposes of benchmarking and quality improvement. • Trained and moderated panels using a hybrid method of both the QDA and Spectrum descriptive analysis.• Worked closely with cross functional teams to ensure project goals were aligned and research needs were met. • Developed test protocols and created test questionnaires using CompuSense and Eye Question data collection systems for taste testing studies. • Determined appropriate sensory testing methodology and conducted testing.• Analyzed and interpreted data using XL-Stat in order to ensure that accurate generation of test results. • Reported final test results to project team laying out next steps and recommendations for reformulation of prototypes based of the hedonic and directional data obtained from the study. • Validated new ingredients and technologies for cost and quality improvements.• Approved new ingredients, suppliers and packaging materials.• Supported consumer testing initiatives for shelf life determination through collaboration with project teams. Show less



Kelly

• United States
• Staffing and Recruiting
• 700 & Above Employee

• Sensory Research Assistant at Campbell Soup Company

  • Aug 2003 - Mar 2006

  • Demonstrated strong management skills to train and guide technical staff • Assisted in the execution of internal testing panels ensuring valid and reliable data was obtained. • Maintained testing supplies inventory. • Actively worked with CompuSense Data Collection Software. • Demonstrated strong management skills to train and guide technical staff • Assisted in the execution of internal testing panels ensuring valid and reliable data was obtained. • Maintained testing supplies inventory. • Actively worked with CompuSense Data Collection Software.