Capability Development Manager Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

The Director, Global Research & Development leads the execution of APC's global R&D strategy, driving innovation in products and processes that support business growth, operational efficiency, and customer value. This role is responsible for managing the global R&D project portfolio, strengthening technical capabilities, and partnering cross-functionally to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions. The Director also develops technical talent, advances scientific knowledge, and ensures R&D activities align with business objectives, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

• R&D Strategy & Portfolio Execution

  Execute the global R&D strategy in alignment with business priorities and growth objectives. Translate strategic priorities into a clear R&D roadmap and project portfolio. Prioritize and manage projects to ensure delivery against timelines, budgets, and expected outcomes. Provide insight and recommendations to senior leadership regarding innovation opportunities, technical risks, and future research priorities. Ensure R&D resources are aligned to support business needs and strategic initiatives.

• Product & Process Innovation

  Lead development of new products, applications, and technologies. Drive continuous improvement of existing products and manufacturing processes. Oversee experimental design, validation, and scale-up activities from laboratory through commercial implementation. Collaborate with manufacturing teams to improve quality, efficiency, and product performance. Ensure innovation efforts are scientifically sound, commercially viable, and aligned with customer requirements.

• Technical Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

  Serve as a key technical advisor to Production, Quality, Regulatory, Commercial, and Supply Chain teams. Provide expertise in resolving complex technical, operational, and customer-related challenges. Support customer interactions through technical presentations, demonstrations, training, and problem-solving activities. Partner with global business leaders to align technical initiatives with operational priorities. Promote knowledge sharing and collaboration across APC's global operations.

• Compliance, Quality & Regulatory Leadership

  Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, quality, safety, and documentation requirements. Maintain integrity, traceability, and proper retention of scientific data and technical records. Support compliance with ISO and other applicable management systems. Monitor relevant scientific, regulatory, and industry developments that may impact APC products or operations. Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to mitigate compliance risks and support continuous improvement.

• Financial & Operational Management

  Develop and manage the R&D budget. Monitor project expenditures and resource allocation to maximize return on investment. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and optimize laboratory and R&D operations. Lead pursuit of grants, research funding, strategic partnerships, and external collaborations. Ensure appropriate laboratory infrastructure, equipment, systems, and resources are available to support business objectives.

• Team Leadership & Development

  Build, lead, and develop a high-performing global R&D team. Establish clear expectations, accountability, and development plans for team members. Coach and develop team members to strengthen technical expertise and leadership capability. Support succession planning and talent development initiatives. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous learning, and scientific excellence.

• External Engagement & Thought Leadership

  Represent APC in industry forums, conferences, and technical engagements. Build relationships with external research partners, universities, and industry networks. Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive developments. Promote APC's scientific capabilities and technical reputation within the marketplace.

Leads global research and development activities supporting APC's innovation and growth objectives. Oversees the R&D project portfolio, laboratory capabilities, and technical talent across supported regions. Influences product development, process improvement, customer solutions, and business performance. Partners extensively with Production, Quality, Commercial, Regulatory, and Supply Chain teams. Represents APC in external scientific, industry, and research collaborations. Directly impacts product differentiation, operational efficiency, technical credibility, and long-term business growth.

• Education

  Ph.D. preferred in Animal Science, Biology, Chemistry, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Food Science, Pharmacy, or a related scientific discipline. Master's degree with significant industry leadership experience also considered. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

• Experience

  8+ years of progressive experience within research and development, technical services, product development, or related scientific disciplines. 3+ years of leadership experience managing technical or scientific teams. Experience in food, feed, agri-food, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or related industries preferred. Experience leading complex R&D programs from concept through commercialization. Demonstrated success working cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Regulatory, and Commercial teams. Experience supporting global operations and collaborating across multiple geographies preferred. Experience managing technical budgets, research portfolios, and resource planning strongly preferred.

• Additional Qualifications

  Working proficiency in English, including the ability to communicate effectively in meetings, presentations, technical discussions, and written reports. Proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese desirable. Training or experience with quality management systems, including ISO 9001, HACCP, or comparable quality frameworks. Experience in identifying and managing grants and funding programs for R&D and industrial investment projects.

• Strategic Thinking: Aligns scientific and technical initiatives with business goals and future growth opportunities.
• Scientific & Technical Expertise: Applies strong scientific knowledge to solve complex challenges and advance innovation.
• Execution & Results Orientation: Drives projects to completion while balancing timelines, quality, cost, and business priorities.
• Global Regulatory & Trade Awareness: Understands the regulatory, import/export, and international business considerations that influence product development, commercialization, customer requirements, and global operations.
• Collaboration & Influence: Builds strong partnerships across functions, geographies, customers, and external stakeholders.
• People Leadership: Develops engaged, capable teams and fosters a culture of accountability and continuous learning.
• Financial Acumen: Manages budgets, resources, and investments responsibly to maximize business value.
• Communication & Executive Presence: Communicates complex scientific and technical concepts effectively to a variety of audiences, including customers, business leaders, industry groups, and scientific organizations. Demonstrates strong presentation, facilitation, and public speaking skills in both internal and external settings.
• Continuous Improvement: Identifies opportunities to improve products, processes, systems, and organizational effectiveness.

This role requires the ability to evaluate complex scientific, technical, operational, and commercial information and make sound decisions that support business objectives and innovation outcomes. The role includes:

• Evaluating research data, experimental results, and technical findings to guide product and process development.
• Balancing competing priorities across multiple projects, business needs, and resource constraints.
• Assessing technical, regulatory, quality, and commercial risks associated with innovation initiatives.
• Translating complex scientific concepts into practical business recommendations.
• Leading teams through ambiguity, changing priorities, and evolving business requirements.
• Exercising sound judgment on matters that can impact product performance, operational effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Identifying opportunities for innovation, continuous improvement, and long-term business growth.

Research activities related to new products, adaptation of existing products, and development of industrial processes. Risk Assessment: R&D Laboratory Operator. Display screen equipment. Burn risk. Glass cut risk. Forklift operation. Biological risk. Noise. Entrapment risk. Basic knowledge of ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 acquired through annual company training. Workplace: Laboratory and external activities (customer visits, trade fairs, conferences, etc.).