Technical Applications Group Manager
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Technical Applications Group Manager based in the United States.
This leadership role sits at the center of product, process, and packaging innovation, driving the successful delivery of technical initiatives across innovation, renovation, and lifecycle maintenance programs.
You will lead cross-functional technical teams responsible for developing, scaling, and commercializing solutions that are both manufacturable and aligned with business and regulatory requirements.
The role bridges R&D, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and supply chain functions, ensuring seamless execution from concept to production.
It requires strong technical leadership in food or consumer product environments, with a focus on driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.
You will also play a key role in capability building, coaching teams, and enabling knowledge transfer across manufacturing sites.
This is a highly collaborative and visible role within a matrixed global environment, where strategic thinking and hands-on technical execution go hand in hand.
The position includes remote flexibility with approximately 30% travel.
Accountabilities:
- Lead cross-functional delivery of product, process, packaging, and ingredient initiatives supporting innovation, renovation, cost optimization, and business continuity programs.
- Drive end-to-end execution of technical projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment with scope, timelines, quality standards, and business objectives.
- Partner closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply Chain teams to ensure compliant, scalable, and manufacturable solutions.
- Provide technical leadership for manufacturing sites, supporting scale-up, troubleshooting, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead product and process introductions into manufacturing environments, including technology transfers and supplier or co-manufacturing collaboration.
- Ensure compliance with GMP, regulatory standards, and internal quality systems while supporting audits and corrective actions.
- Develop, coach, and lead a high-performing technical team, strengthening capabilities in product and process mastery.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on improving quality, speed, cost efficiency, and operational performance across systems and processes.
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline (advanced degree preferred).
- 5+ years of experience in CPG, food manufacturing, product development, or technical applications roles.
- Proven experience leading cross-functional technical projects through structured stage-gate or commercialization processes.
- Prior people management or technical leadership experience strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes, ingredient/product design, and end-to-end commercialization.
- Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, QMS, and relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., CFR Title 21).
- Experience with new product introductions, scale-up, and manufacturing integration.
- Familiarity with cross-functional operations across R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain; global or cross-market exposure is a plus.
- Proficiency with enterprise systems such as SAP or similar platforms is preferred.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across functions.
- Demonstrated ability to coach teams, manage priorities, and navigate complexity in a matrixed environment.
- Competitive base salary range: $120,000 – $140,000 annually (based on experience and location)
- Performance-based incentives and bonus eligibility
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, vision)
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Flexible work arrangement with remote options and approximately 30% travel
- Strong focus on learning, leadership development, and career progression
- Inclusive and collaborative global work environment
- Exposure to large-scale innovation, renovation, and commercialization programs
- Broad total rewards package supporting physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing