Lead - Innovation, Digital Technology Solutions

TITLE: Lead – Innovation, Digital Technology Solutions

LOCATION: Westchester, IL

REPORTS TO: Sr. Manager, Innovation, Digital Technology Solutions

Primary Function:

The Lead-Innovation, DTS will play a critical role in leveraging technology to enhance product development, formulation processes, and innovation within the food industry operations. The primary focus will be to optimize / leverage digital solutions to support food formulation, recipe management, and innovation workflows. This position will support the digital applications & infrastructure that facilitate efficient and effective innovation operations globally. The focus of this position will be to support Sr. Manager Innovation, Solution Architect Innovation, and Digital Partners while contributing to specific aspects of projects or operations while gaining experience.

The position requires a blend of technical skills, analytical thinking, and effective communication abilities to contribute to strategic projects within the innovation function. This position will work closely with the Innovation business team, to understand the business requirements, ensure translation of the requirements into design specifications, and ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions. This position will work closely with the external partners to ensure the process is well understood and solutions are built or customized to meet Ingredion needs.

Core Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with food scientists, R&D teams, and IT professionals to develop and implement digital tools and systems for food formulation, recipe management, and innovation processes.
• Gather, capture & analyze the business requirements and processes of our business to be translated into solutions.
• Test and validate the solutions and ensure they meet the quality standards and expectations of the solution design.
• Collaborate with the digital partners, project managers, solution delivery leads, business analysts, and end-users to provide feedback, updates, and recommendations on the solutions. Work closely with partner team / organization to ensure the solution meets the business needs.

Project Support:

• Support project teams in the implementation of digital technology enhancements and projects. This may involve tasks such as documentation, coordination among team members, working with partner providers, conducting UAT, scheduling meetings, and tracking project progress. Assist in the development of project estimates and the completion of a comprehensive financial model, detailing costs, savings, revenue opportunities, and the investment horizon to ensure projects deliver maximum value.
• Work closely with the Solution Architecture teams to determine how the application needs to be customized and integrated with various applications / platforms to streamline formulation workflows and enhance collaboration among cross-functional / regional teams.
• Works closely with the product owners and product managers to deliver a robust solution that that can support future business requirements throughout the product life cycle.
• Provide help and support to resolve any technical issues and challenges that arise during the project implementation and deployment.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Prepare and maintain accurate documentation for systems, processes, and project activities. Assist in developing reports and presentations that communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Develops training materials and conduct sessions to educate users on new IT tools and systems / applications related to food formulation. Maintain documentation and user manuals for IT solutions, facilitating knowledge sharing and adoption across the organization.

Process Improvement:

• Contribute to process improvement initiatives by identifying inefficiencies in current systems and processes. Participate in discussions and brainstorming sessions for enhancing innovation operations through digital technology.

Assess Technology:

• Works closely with the technical teams to come up with possible solutions that can be reviewed to address the business requirement.
• Supports product managers in end-of-life product decisions to maintain, refresh or retire services or systems, including applications, technologies, processes, and information.
• Participates in Fit Gap Analysis with external software to evaluate fitment and changes / enhancements that may be need to meet specific process / integration needs.
• Analyzes the business-IT environment to detect critical deficiencies and / or gaps and works towards solutions for improvement.

Learning and Development:

• Continuously learn about new technologies, innovation trends, and best practices. Stay updated on the latest technologies, trends, and innovations and suggest improvements and enhancements to the solutions. Participate in evaluation of new and emerging technologies and trends, participate in conducting feasibility studies and prototyping to assess potential impact and value.

Stakeholder Communication:

• Assist in communicating with internal and external stakeholders, including team members, managers, partner providers, and suppliers. This may include gathering requirements, providing updates, and ensuring clear communication across projects.

System Support and Maintenance:

• Work with the Application Management Support (AMS) team to provide support for existing digital technology systems, including troubleshooting issues, performing routine maintenance, and assisting with updates or upgrades to ensure systems operate smoothly and efficiently. Liaise with the solution delivery and enterprise architecture team to propose high-level functional solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing business processes and technology globally.

Compliance and Security:

• Support efforts to ensure that digital systems and data handling practices comply with relevant regulations, policies, and security standards. This might involve assisting with audits, risk assessments, and implementing security measures.

Master Data Management:

• Support the wider MDM and business teams to ensure alignment and compliance to Ingredion’s Master data policies and procedures. Be an advocate for master data best practices with the wider organization.

Qualified candidates will have:

• Strong understanding of Innovation / R&D processes in a Food or Food Ingredients or Chemical or Chemical Formulation based industries.
• Familiarity with technologies and applications in Innovation / R&D / PLM operations.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and understand complex systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively articulate ideas, collaborate with team members, and communicate with stakeholders.
• Being flexible and adaptable to change is crucial in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment.
• Eagerness to learn new technologies, processes, and concepts to stay relevant in the field.
• Ability to work effectively in a team, contributing positively to team operations and working relationships.
• Proficiency in multiple languages can be an advantage, facilitating communication across the two regions.
• Understanding or willingness to learn about different cultures and business practices around the world to effectively work in a global and matrix environment.
• Results-oriented mindset, with a focus on continuous improvement, agility, and delivering tangible business results.
• Ability and willingness to travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, food science or related field.
• Proven experience in IT, preferably in the food industry or working with R&D / Innovation function with 6-10 years of experience.
• Strong knowledge and experience in Innovation / R&D / PLM applications, custom developed applications, etc. Understanding of food formulation processes and principles is an added plus.
• Proficiency in software development, database management, and integration (e.g., ERP systems, PLM software).
• Experience working in a global environment, with the ability to navigate cultural differences and collaborate effectively with diverse teams across geographies.
• Experience working in a matrixed environment, with the ability to influence.
• Knowledge of data analytics tools and techniques for formulation optimization.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

#LI-BS1

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Relocation Available:

No

Pay Range:

$95,300.00-$127,100.00 Annual

This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

Incentive Compensation:

As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.

Benefits:

Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with an competitive company match.