Director Open Innovation Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

At Actus Nutrition, our focus is to create high-qualityingredients designed to optimize health and nutrition. We are passionate and dedicated people. Each day, we collectively explore new, innovative ways to enhance product performance and value through our broad human and animal nutrition portfolios. The human nutrition division focuses on industry leading whey and milk protein isolates, concentrates, and hydrolysates. The animal nutrition division is a leading supplier of functional fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Both divisions are backed by the speed, execution and passion it takes to exceed the expectation of our customers. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance as well as a healthy 401(k) company match program.

The Director of Process Research & Innovation is responsible for defining and executing the company’s research, development, and innovation strategy to drive sustainable growth and competitive advantage. This role leads the end‑to‑end research of ingredients and process innovations—from ideation and research through manufacturing readiness and market launch.

• Provide scientific, technical, and market input to build robust business cases and value propositions for new ingredients and process innovations.
• Establish and lead clinical research to validate health benefits of ingredients and support proactive business development in targeted health areas.
• Review scientific literature and emerging research to identify new opportunities and inform strategic direction.
• Serve as a technical resource to Marketing and Sales by supporting product positioning, functionality, nutrition, and application through technical documentation, white papers, and field support.
• Partner with the broader R&D team to provide project ownership for the full commercialization lifecycle for new ingredients and processes, from concept development and feasibility through scale‑up, manufacturing integration, and market launch.
• Establish project scope, prioritization, and governance to ensure resources are aligned to the highest‑value innovation opportunities.
• Identify, evaluate, and lead new innovation activities, including open innovation initiatives, customer innovation days, roundtables, and industry seminars.
• Partner closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment across product development, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, regulatory, marketing, and commercial execution.
• Lead and actively participate in cross‑functional product development teams, contributing at both the strategic level and, when required, at the bench or pilot scale.
• Oversee supplier qualification, development, specifications, and ongoing management to ensure safe, innovative, and reliable ingredient sourcing.
• Serve as a visible scientific and technical leader within the industry, representing the company at conferences, trade events, and scientific forums.
• Present at industry and scientific meetings and bring forward new knowledge, insights, and partnership opportunities to the organization.
• Partner with external parties/universities/consultants, etc. to commercialize products through tolling operations. Search, vet, and review technology needed to prepare business cases for the executive team on toll manufacturing findings.
• Communicate and reinforce organizational and departmental initiatives to ensure alignment, consistency, and execution across the R&D function.

• PhD or equivalent in Dairy Science, Manufacturing, Food Science or related fields preferred
• 10+ years of progressive experience leading research, development, and innovation initiatives, within dairy or ingredient-based food systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi‑disciplinary projects across multiple innovation areas simultaneously.
• Proven success collaborating strategically with senior leaders and cross‑functional partners while maintaining hands‑on engagement where needed.
• Strong capability to identify and remove barriers to innovation by ensuring teams have the right tools, processes, skills, and training.
• Excellent relationship‑building skills with internal stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and external partners.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex R&D concepts into clear, compelling messages for executive and commercial audiences.

The salary range for this position is $120,000.00 - $140,0000.00 USD based on experience. Applicable pay within the posted range may vary based on factors including, but not limited to education, skill set and depth of experience.

Actus Nutrition is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, or local laws.