Vice President, Global Research and Development

Overview

Kemin is currently seeking a Vice President of R&D for our pet food and rendering team! Reporting to the Business Unit President, the Vice President of R&D serves as the chief scientific officer for the business unit and is accountable for achieving the Global R&D KPI targets. The incumbent is responsible for all research, product development, and formulation activities from product conception to commercialization. This also includes responsibility for governmental regulatory compliance.

This role serves as the lead commercialization scientist for the application of new molecules resulting from the centralized exploratory research programs or from third-party research bodies. As a member of the Kemin Nutrisurance Leadership Team, this individual will serve as a participating and trustworthy thought leader.

Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives!

We are a privately held, family-owned-and-operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet.

We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet’s natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come.

We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.

We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and professional well-being:

• Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Career Development and Advancement: Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities: Grow your skills with our in-house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities: Make a positive impact with paid time off for volunteering in your community

Responsibilities

• Drive the evolution of the innovation roadmap for each product platform, inspiring the global team to action with curiosity, clarity, prioritization, and resources.
• Develop, formulate, and test new and improved products to fulfill customers’ needs and enhance their satisfaction with Kemin’s products and services.
• Collaborate on a worldwide basis, with other Kemin R&D leaders in sharing ideas and commercial translation of product development.
• Provide leadership and development for the R&D and RA team members, strengthening the technical aptitude of the team while also fostering a highly engaged work environment.
• Develop and grow a pipeline of strong R&D managers, leaders, and technical specialists through effective hiring, coaching, mentoring, performance management, and organizational design/development.
• Coordinate novel research to identify new product opportunities and/or to enhance the application of current products.
• Facilitate projects through Kemin’s Product Innovation Process (stage gate).
• Ensure governmental regulatory compliance of novel technologies in Kemin’s markets through close cooperation with regional regulatory staff.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience:PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related discipline. A minimum of five years of experience in a functional leadership capacity. A minimum of ten years of working experience in cutting edge biological, chemical, food science or agriculture technology. Experience in gut health, microbiome preferred. Pet food or rendering experience highly desirable.
• Demonstrated track record of accomplishment in product commercialization by taking products based on new technologies from laboratory and launching it successfully in the markets
• A strong bias for action. A balanced approach between strategic thinking and tactical skills, not letting perfection get in the way of progress
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized, detailed minded with the ability to effectively manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously
• A servant leader mindset, putting others ahead of oneself
• A strong presence and likability that encourages others to engage
• Holds self and others accountable
• An entrepreneurial business builder’s spirit and perspective with a keen drive to succeed
• High energy, tenacity, and willingness to go the extra mile
• A team leader and team player
• Unquestioned integrity.
• Travel up to 50%.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed/religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status (where applicable), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding or related conditions, age (40+), disability (including the use of a service animal), genetic information, marital status, familial or caregiver status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decision‑making, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also prohibit retaliation for raising concerns or participating in an EEO process. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview can email