Job details

Innovation & Commercialization Manager

We started Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in a yellow truck on the streets of NYC in 2008 with a mission to make good ice cream that makes you feel good.

Nowadays, people can spend so much time on what’s “healthy” they don’t stop to consider what’s healthy. As far as we’re concerned, happiness is healthiness. We strive to ensure every scoop, store and employee feels and creates one community to contribute to the overall brand.

Van Leeuwen is looking for an Innovation & Commercialization Manager (CPG) to join our Research + Development / Commercialization team. You will work closely with the growing team of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream as we embark on our next stage of accelerated growth. The Innovation & Commercialization Manager is responsible for overseeing the research, development, and implementation of recipes and product lines at Van Leeuwen’s Co-Packer sites. This position will also help with general formula maintenance including the research of new ingredients, alternative production methods, and updating nutritional information.

This role is based out of New York City in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and requires in-person availability Monday through Friday.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Project manage different workstreams around flavor renovations, process improvements, and cost savings
Schedule and lead weekly calls with co-packers
Direct and control activities with copackers to maximize quality, productivity, and revenue
Collaborate with QA/Food Safety and co-packer to correct production related issues
Track, analyze, and improve manufacturing efficiency, including material usage and loss causes
Work closely with supply chain to improve strategic decision-making and maximize production efficiencies
Create and maintain co-packer scorecards
Commercialize new recipes with co-packers, vetting new ingredients and verifying their BOMs reflect our formulas as well as updating nutritional information and approving packaging
Develop new flavors and ice cream recipes
Explore and source new product lines and categories for CPG channel
Support in-person trials and first productions at copackers (25% Travel)

JOB REQUIREMENTS

5 to 7 years of experience in a commercialization / research + development setting
Food Science or Engineering background preferred
Experience in Food Manufacturing preferred
Experience with Co-Packer Management a plus
Experience with Project Management and Timeline Management a plus
Proficient in Microsoft Excel
Advanced Mathematical Reasoning
Strong Attention to Detail
Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills for External Partners and Internal Cross-Functional Partners
Experience with MOX and Label Review a plus

PERKS + BENEFITS

Employee Scoop Card (Enjoy Ice Cream from any of our scoop shops nationwide)
Medical, Dental + Vision Insurance with 70% Employer Contribution
401k with up to 4% Employer Match
Cell Phone Reimbursement Plan
Wellness Reimbursement Plan
Paid Time Off - 3 Weeks / 120 Hours Total
Paid Sick Time
Yearly Performance Reviews

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is committed to pay transparency and equity among all employees and provides employees an environment where pay transparency and dialogue on compensation are allowed. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream complies with Equal Employment Opportunity laws as well as federal, state, and local laws on compensation, pay transparency, and pay equity.

The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held.

Salary Range

$90,000—$110,000 USD

Here at Van Leeuwen, Good Ice Cream Is For Everyone! As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to foster a welcoming, diverse environment for every employee and customer. We pride ourselves on the creativity that goes into our ice cream and is built in our stores (by YOU) that help us meet our missions and values.

Van Leeuwen Artisian Ice Cream Glassdoor Company Review

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