Customer Technical Insights Manager, North America

We make pet food taste great! For over 30 years, AFB International has been providing pet food solutions that enrich the lives of pets and their people. Our palatants are specially designed to make pet foods, treats and supplements taste better, ensuring pets receive the vital nutrients they need. We know wagging tails, licking whiskers and empty bowls equal happy pets and happy pet parents. Join AFB and you'll be a part of a team of highly skilled professionals that provide the greatest contribution to our success as an organization. Our team members are diverse, creative, passionate experts who are genuinely dedicated to our mission, our customers, and the pets we serve worldwide.Job DescriptionAFB International is a global science and technology leader in pet food palatability, developing and producing a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers. As expert in pet food, AFB International is partner with pet food manufacturers to create better-tasting dog and cat foods, treats and supplements, meeting the specific needs of the pets and pet owners they serve. The company is part of Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. (EBI), a privately-owned high technology conglomerate, and has offices and/or production facilities in the USA (global HQ), Europe, Latin America, Mexico, Australia and China.As our Customer Technical Insights Manager, North America, you will be the group leader of the North American customer facing R&D team by (1) making & executing team strategy aligned to global and regional accounts for new & existing key accounts, (2) be responsible for providing technical support to key account managers, (3) act as an expert and market interface team to R&D, Quality & Regulatory team, (4) manage research on application development, and (5) develop market product and technology roadmap in combination with the Science & Technology team.Your opportunity within AFB InternationalThe CTI teams in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America, even if regional, they have an international scope. The responsibility of the team is to think and execute against the broader global strategy while engaging other technical and non-technical functions (marketing, sales, quality, R&D) to leverage existing expertise to maximize the change of success of projects, to bring new insights to the final customers and to translate customer roadmaps in potential new technology developments. Focusing on local customers this team can execute flawlessly to achieve both financial and market share objectives.Your Experience Should DemonstrateTechnical services experience, both in R&D or Commercial contextTeam management experience, > 4 line reports preferredStrategy development and execution aligned with business needsDirect working experience and network within AFB International customers.Understanding of pet food palatant marketDirect working experience and network within AFB International customers.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop end execution of Customer Technical Insights team strategy to deliver business goalsRecruit, manage and coach Customer Technical Insights teamPersonally responsible for technical support key global accountsSetting up technical application processes, dashboards and information databasesActing as pet food and ingredient industry expertTranslating market insights into product lines and claim ideas for Science & Technology teamFacilitating the development of Market, product and technology roadmapManaging research on application development (i.e. palatant, pet food type and sensory system interaction)Your QualificationsBachelor’s Degree in Food Science / Technology or Animal Nutrition (MSc preferred)5+ year product development and/or technical sales experience in pet food ingredient industryPrior People Leadership experienceStrategic mindsetHighly flexible and go getterAble to work closely with sales as well as R&D (team player)Result oriented combined with entrepreneurial, sales and innovative mindsetAbility to prioritize and oversee multiple projects in a fast-paced environmentExcellent communication skills and dynamic personalityAFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.