R&D Strategy Manager - Animal Nutrition

R&D Strategy Manager - Animal Nutrition

This role is located at our facility in Gray Summit, MO and must be on-site (no virtual/remote).

This role does not offer relocation.

The AN R&D Strategy Manager serves as a key strategic advisor to the R&D VP and R&D Leadership Team, driving R&D organizational alignment with market-driven business priorities.

This role bridges strategy and execution by assisting with strategic oversight across R&D, ensure technical input to key portfolio processes, and foster cross-functional collaboration to ensure research investments deliver market impact and promote customer experience.

Duty or Area of Responsibility:

40% Strategic R&D Alignment and Coordination

• Partner with R&D VP and Leadership to translate Animal Nutrition Vital Few and business strategies into actionable R&D priorities and increase innovation speed-to-market

• Partner with R&D Leadership to collaborate with key stakeholders including Marketing, Finance, and other teams to ensure R&D pipeline alignment with business needs

• Collaborate with Innovation Manager (Marketing) by coordinating R&D inputs to ensure R&D priorities are effectively integrated into Ignite growth stage gate process

• Monitor industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies relevant to Animal Nutrition R&D

40% Process Management & Support

• Ensure project management and processes are carried out in alignment with Animal Nutrition Vital Few and the broader Enterprise standards

• Facilitate regular strategic reviews and progress communication to stakeholders at all levels

• Coordinate across R&D VP and Leadership to ensure inclusion of technical and strategic input to Innovation Manager's portfolio prioritization process

20% Organizational Transformation & Process Excellence

• Contribute to smooth collaboration across the R&D team to promote collaboration and leverage synergies across species research efforts

• Assist in leading strategic R&D initiatives (e.g., research asset rebuilding, infrastructure projects)

• Establish KPIs and feedback mechanisms to measure R&D market responsiveness and strategic alignment

• Assist VP in developing R&D organizational capabilities for enhanced market competitiveness

• Champion best practices sharing across R&D leadership

Required Experience/Knowledge/Skills (to be able to perform this job):


* Bachelor's degree in Agricultural related (Ag business, Animal Science, Agronomy, etc) or Business.


* 7+ years of experience in strategic operations, business transformation, or R&D management roles


* Proven ability to influence and coordinate across matrix organizations without direct authority


* Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with ability to translate market insights into operational priorities


* Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities across all organizational levels


* Experience with stage gate processes, project port...