Job Details:
Job Summary
This role provides leadership and technical direction for Research and Development Technical Services at assigned manufacturing facilities and co-manufacturers. The R&D Technical Service Manager serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for assigned processes and acts as the owner of manufacturing instructions. The position leads plant commercialization, process validation, and continuous improvement initiatives while partnering cross-functionally with R&D Scientists, Operations, Engineering, Quality, and external suppliers. The role ensures safe, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing execution while supporting business growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the subject matter expert for assigned manufacturing processes and products
- Own and maintain manufacturing instructions (MI), including equipment, process settings, and cook/oven parameters
- Lead and oversee process validation, plant trials, and successful commercialization activities
- Support first production, new product introductions, and ongoing plant execution
- Provide technical support to manufacturing teams for problem resolution and operational challenges
- Lead structured problem-solving for product quality and manufacturing issues using data analysis and plant trials
- Partner with R&D Scientists to ensure manufacturability and process capability during product development
- Execute and support cross-qualifications, specification change qualifications, and line validations
- Support new line start-ups, automation projects, repatriations, co-manufacturing transitions, and new plant start-ups
- Drive process improvements, specification optimization, and cost-reduction initiatives
- Apply food science and process technology principles to improve yield, quality, and consistency
- Support capital planning by advising on equipment selection, design, and resource needs
- Collaborate with engineering teams and external equipment suppliers to evaluate and validate new technologies
- Conduct routine manufacturing instruction audits to ensure accuracy and data integrity
- Utilize systems such as NPD, Global Specification Management (GSM), and DevEx proficiently
- Support data and digital initiatives, including MI design and cleansing for enterprise platforms
- Travel as needed to support assigned and unassigned facilities based on business priorities
- Lead or support special projects and other duties as assigned
Requirements
Education
- BS, MS or PhD in Food Science, Meat Science, Food Engineering or related field. No degree with minimum of 5 years relevant experience.
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in food manufacturing, R&D, technical services, or process engineering
- Demonstrated experience supporting plant commercialization, process validation, and manufacturing operations
- Experience working with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment
Computer Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office or equivalent software
- Experience with manufacturing systems, data platforms, and digital tools preferred
Communication Skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Effective collaboration and stakeholder engagement capabilities
Special Skills & Physical Requirements
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently while influencing cross-functional teams
- Solid understanding of food processing equipment and manufacturing systems
- Willingness to travel to manufacturing facilities as required
- Ability to work in manufacturing environments, including lifting up to 40 pounds and exposure to plant conditions
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Management and supervisory responsibilities may be applicable, depending on assignment
Travel
- Travel required based on plant assignment and business needs (may exceed 25%)
All professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs. Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI. People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes.
Relocation Assistance Eligible:
Yes
Work Shift:
1ST SHIFT (United States of America)
Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.
Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.
The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.
We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.
If you would like to learn more about your data privacy rights and how you may use that information, please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice here.
Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.
