VP of Ingredient Solutions R&D

We are looking to hire a VP of Ingredients Solutions R&D to join our team in Atchison, KS. The purpose of this position is to conceptualize new and value-added ingredients for eventual launch and commercialization in the food and non-food industry and to provide scientific support to Sales & Marketing and distribution partners to assure the success of the corporation. This position will be involved in project management directing product research, applications, customer projects and technical services in support of the company’s ingredients business. The individual will provide expertise in-house in support of the Ingredients Division initiatives and as a cross-functional team member with other departments of the company. This position will address regulatory matters with FDA and other government agencies and will be active in patent applications and in protecting MGP’s intellectual properties.

What will you do?

Research and Development

• Conceptualizes new value-added products in support of Innovation initiatives and in addressing the prevailing Food Trends; commercialize new products in support of Sales and Marketing efforts.
• Directs food applications/formulations research on new and existing food ingredients utilizing in-house research equipment, commercial lab services or university facilities
• Directs projects with universities or research centers to develop new scientific and clinical data or confirm the efficacy or performance of ingredients in food and non-food products.
• Provides expert technical advice on product, process, and quality improvements in support of Operations, Engineering, and Quality.

Customer Support

• Provides technical service and customer support to the Sales and Marketing team including MGP’s brokers, distributors and international partners.
• Provides education through technical training of customers, brokers, distributors, and MGPI staff.

Strategy Development

• Develop strategic intent and new product development for R&D group and contribute to developing the 5-year strategy for MGP Ingredients Solutions.
• This includes understanding of current consumer trends and how the ingredient portfolio can be expanded, improved and optimized during the next 5-year cycle.
• Experience with M&A activities and evaluations from an innovation standpoint.
• Can lead the R&D function during M&A focus within the strategy of the organization.

Regulatory Compliance

• Directs efforts to obtain regulatory approval of MGP’s ingredients; conducts regulatory discussions with FDA, USDA, or other foreign agencies to support ingredient’s use in the food industry.

Intellectual Property

• Invents new products or processes, writes patents and provides technical advice to lawyers during patent application and prosecution.
• Provides technical advice in defending intellectual property in case of infringement.

Information Management

• Writes and publishes brochures/booklets describing product attributes and performance in support of the Sales and Marketing team; contributes articles in trade magazines in response to media inquiry; keeps abreast of technical information in published literature, scientific meetings, and trade shows.

What do you need to bring to the table?

• Ph.D. in Grain Science, Cereal Chemistry or Food Science.
• 10-15 years of fundamental and practical research experience in starch and protein structure, composition, properties, functionality, nutritional quality, modification, and uses.
• 10 years of commercial or industry experience in product development, technical service and sales support.
• 5 years of experience in collaborative research and partnership with industrial, academic or government institutions.
• Specialized knowledge of chemistry of carbohydrates (starches, dietary fibers, gums, hydrocolloids), proteins, lipids, and enzymes; specialized knowledge of wet flour processing, dough rheology, baking, sensory analysis, chemical modification, enzyme conversion, food processing operations, extrusion, thermal modification, product development, ingredient interaction and functionality, quality management, human clinical studies, regulatory compliance, and patent writing/applications.
• High visibility in the food industry with full understanding of the baking and pasta B2B segments.
• Preferably an active member in good standing with the American Bakers Association (ABA) and other technical organizations like the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and Cereals & Grains Association.
• Ability to assimilate technical information and create PowerPoint presentation materials to customers, distributors/brokers, and MGPI staff and develop easy-to-read reports to executive management.
• Ability to establish close relationships with university professors, R&D scientists from food companies and scientists from government research laboratories.

What will we provide you with.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Short-term/long-term disability
• Life insurance
• 401(k) / 401(K) Matching
• PTO

Who are we?
MGP Ingredients is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and food ingredient solutions. Its Distilling Solutions segment provides bourbons, whiskeys, ryes, gins and vodkas to craft and multinational brands. MGP’s own Branded Spirits business is growing following the 2021 acquisition of Luxco, a top spirits producer, bottler, supplier, and importer. Ingredient Solutions delivers nutritional, functional wheat- and pea-based ingredients aligned with consumer trends. The company operates in locations across the Midwestern U.S., and overseas in Northern Ireland and Mexico.