Director of Research & Development (R&D) – KLN Family Brands

Our Story

KLN Family Brands is a 3rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country. Our most recent addition is Tuffy’s Treat Company, located in Delano, MN. Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products.

At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that “We are a proud people-first company. We are successful because of trust-based relationships, and first-rate products for our families and friends. We better the world by caring for others. We challenge. We grow. We inspire.”

Some companies have to “fudge the story” a little. Some need the extra “spin” to shine a positive light on themselves. That’s not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that’s not what we do. We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality of our products, our spirit & moxie, our tradition, and the way we treat our community & beyond. We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company.

The Opportunity

We’re now adding a Director of Research & Development (R&D) to our team at KLN Family Brands. A successful candidate will guide research & development within our pet businesses (providing support for both Tuffy’s Pet Foods and Tuffy’s Treats), and our candy business, Kenny’s Candy & Confections. If you’ve been looking for a position where you can make a tremendous difference in the growth of our company, then keep reading. You may have just stumbled upon the perfect role!

The pet food and candy markets are extremely dynamic and competitive. At KLN Family Brands, we rely heavily on new product development to grow our own brands and the brands of select contract customers. Our continued growth and success are reliant upon our ability to efficiently launch products that meet quality expectations for our retailers, customers, and consumers.

In order to meet business objectives, the Director of R & D will manage research activities and guide subordinates in the application of scientific or engineering principles to the product development process. In this position you would develop project plans, review research specifications, secure resources, monitor project progress, and provide regular reports to leadership teams. You would provide expertise in the analysis and interpretation of results or data. You would ensure that all laboratory activities comply with regulatory guidelines, and quality and/or performance standards. You would ensure that projects adhere to established timelines and budgets. You would provide leadership, direction and general orchestration in planning, controlling and coordinating the technical direction for the company. This includes the development of the technical talent for the R & D team. You would also work closely with the Chief Growth Officer for both Tuffy’s Pet Foods and Kenny’s Candy as well as other members of the KLN Family Brands leadership team to establish sales & marketing plans to meet growth objectives.

The responsibilities of the position are listed below.

Your Responsibilities

• Leads and develops R & D team for future business growth.
• Builds/drives the technical process for our pet food and candy businesses.
• Oversees ingredient database including identification and testing of raw ingredients.
• Remains current on trends & innovation within the candy, snack & pet food industries in order to support customer needs and remain competitive within these markets.
• Owns the product lifecycle management process including LCF and cost optimization
• Serves as primary conduit for 3rd party nutritionist support.
• Drives ongoing AAFCO testing and feeding studies for pet food products.
• Provides technical support as conduit between Formulation and Operations.
• Partners with Sales, Marketing, and Commercialization teams to define goals and develop plans for new or updated product offerings.
• Collaborates with Engineering & Technical Services to develop well-rounded capital projects within manufacturing facilities.
• Escalates issues to senior management as required in an effective and timely manner.
• Makes recommendations on key research projects to senior management to reach sales goals.
• Participates in R & D and manufacturing lean events.
• Supervise activities of R&D personnel, including performing annual performance reviews and providing other performance feedback as required
• Other duties as assigned in order to accomplish business and team goals

Experience and Skills Required

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in formula design, stability studies, palatability studies, and the establishment of ingredient and finished product specifications
• Understanding of Concept-5 and Multi Step formulation software
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and operations
• A bias towards action, balanced with strong oral and written communication skills,
• Problem analysis and problem resolution at both a strategic and functional level.
• Quality orientation and attention to detail.
• Possess ability to adapt to a high rate of change environment.
• Management: the ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong inter-personnel skills to interact with many cross-functional teams to accomplish the Company manufacturing function.
• Decisive leadership and management style, executive presence, knowledge and a practical understanding of the financial aspects of business. Evidence of strong ethical and moral character and high work ethic standards.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and effectiveness in expressing complex manufacturing concepts in laymen’s terms. The position requires the ability to relate with all personnel.
• Ability to work with minimum direction but will understand the importance of clear and effective communication with the Chief Growth Officer of each company, the Director of Commercialization, the KLN Family Brands, Tuffy’s Pet Foods, Tuffy’s Pet Treats, and Kenny’s Candy leadership teams, along with others with whom the position interacts.
• Possess inherent traits such as initiative, high energy, creativity, teamwork and positive attitude.
• Must possess the willingness to live the KLN Values, understand and articulate the KLN Mission and work diligently toward the KLN Vision.