Under the direction of the Chief Product and Innovation Officer, this role is responsible for managing the product lifecycle, from commercialization to deactivation, ensuring internal and external needs and business objectives are met. The role focuses on formula commercialization and maintenance, change management, pricing and pricing strategy and continuous monitoring and optimization of the portfolio. This position is ideal for individuals who are self-motivated, have a background in food science and manufacturing, understand business strategy, and thrive in a fast-paced environment with cross-functional collaboration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

•  Lead commercialization efforts, ensuring products meet regulatory, operations, and customer requirements.
• Oversee formula modifications due to regulatory changes, ingredient availability, and cost optimization.
• Work with cross-functional teams to manage product reformulations, ensuring minimal impact on quality and performance. 
• Implement and track change management process, ensuring seamless transitions and clear communication across departments. 
• Develop and maintain pricing strategies that align with market conditions and company profitability goals. 
• Work with finance and procurement to analyze cost structures and recommend pricing adjustments.
• Monitor margin performance and implement corrective actions when needed. 
• Work closely with Denali cross functional teams to ensure customer needs are understood and support is provided.
• Provide input on annual sales budget process. 
• Follow and comply with all safety and work rules and regulations. 
• Other duties as required. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job function satisfactorily. Additionally, they must fulfill essential job function in a consistent state of alertness and safe manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ensure Workplace Safety:

Responsible for actively demonstrating and drive behaviors that result in zero accidents and injuries and ensure our safety and our employees are the most important asset that are under our care.

Education and/or Experience

•  Minimum bachelor’s degree 
• Minimum 5 years of industry-related experience preferred.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively with Denali cross functional teams and customers.
• Strong organizational skills and abilities.
• Ability to work independently and within teams.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as project briefs, customer communications, commercial agreements.
• Ability to analyze and interpret commercial reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft suite (Power Point, Excel, Word, Outlook) and CRM System (Salesforce.com)
• Ability to prioritize effectively.

Key Competencies

• Self-Initiative and effective planning.
• Self-Motivated, Resourceful, Creative, Teachable, and Resilient.
• Demonstrate effective time management.
• Ability to solve practical problems balancing Denali resource investment while delivering strong customer experience.
• Goal-oriented mindset with strong drive to achieve growth results.
• Strong understanding of food ingredient functionality, regulatory requirements and pricing strategy.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and decision making abilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and ERP systems.   

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, carrying boxes, materials, and product. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

This role is based full-time in Denali New Berlin, WI. corporate office. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Denali Ingredients is an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant and believe in fairness and providing a level playing field for all. We foster a culture that thrives on diverse perspectives and contributions to ignite the creativity and innovation to fuel our business and enhance the employee and customer experience.

Denali Ingredients is in New Berlin, Wisconsin. We are customer-centric, fun and engaging. Beyond making ice cream treats tastier, Denali provides a fast-paced stimulating international environment, which will stretch your abilities and channel your talents. We also offer competitive compensation, industry-leading benefits, training, mentoring and growth opportunities. Join a team that makes the world a sweeter place!