Description:
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DESIGN, FOOD & BEVERAGES

About us:

Target is an iconic brand, a Fortune 50 company and one of America's leading retailers.

Owned Brand Product DesignAt the heart of one of the world's best loved and most recognizable brands is an impeccable Owned Brand Design and Management organization. We thrive on the magic of discovering that just-right thing, and we infuse everything we do with our passion for affordable chic. We concept, develop, make and deliver the stylish new favorites that Target guests expect and deserve. We are uber-savvy trend and style experts who stay ahead of the curve, proactively identifying our market's needs and exceeding them, every time. Join one of our dynamic and inventive teams to influence the style, quality and value that decisively position Target above the competition. Your input will have a direct and positive effect, whether on home, hardlines, apparel & accessories or food & beverages. Here, you'll be close to the action of dreaming up and bringing to life the Target-owned brands that surprise and gratify guests, wherever and whenever they love to shop.

Key Responsibilities:

As a Director of Product Design for Food & Beverages, you will be responsible for leading a team and working with cross functional peers to develop brands and products for Target's owned brand food portfolio. You will use your skills, experience, guest-centric mindset and creativity to lead the development of innovative new products, drive enhancements to existing products and processes, and support Target's ambitious growth agenda. Principal duties and responsibilities include:

• Lead product development and core optimization in fresh categories across 3 F+B Divisions, including Meat & Seafood, Deli & Café and Produce & Floral
• Lead future-focused pipeline development, focused on identifying and developing solutions to respond to unmet consumer needs or key pain points, agnostic of current Food & Beverage Divisions or CFTs.
• Be a guest-centric leader who shapes and stewards the owned brand food portfolio, in partnership with merchandising, marketing, sourcing and other functions
• Lead, coach and inspire a team of passionate, capable food scientists. Guide and prioritize the work of the team to ensure it supports business objectives.
• Advance key processes and team discipline that supports the concept development, product development and commercialization of high quality, great tasting products aligned with brand values. Identify critical paths and resources required, removing roadblocks for the team
• Use your creativity and problem-solving skills to develop innovative, cost-effective products and programs that delight our guest and deliver profitable sales for Target
• Lead the team to influence, negotiate and partner with manufacturers to commercialize products that meet our design and business objectives
• Evaluate and make recommendations on the application of new ingredients, key trends and processing technologies, attending seminars and building strong industry connections
• Serve as member of Owned Brand Leadership Team in articulating clear business, brand and product goals that support the objectives of the total Food & Beverage business

About you:

• 4-year college degree in food science or related field; graduate degree preferred
• Minimum 10 years food & beverage experience in product development, with a successful track record
• In depth knowledge of product development processes, including consumer insights, food development, commercialization and manufacturing
• Demonstrated success in leading innovation projects, as part of cross functional teams
• Demonstrated desire to develop and mentor others
• Balanced ability to lead creative vision, strategy, team and operational routines
• Big picture strategic thinker and proactive problem solver
• Passion and curiosity about consumer behavior; guest-centric mindset and approach
• Outstanding communication, presentation, collaboration and teamwork skills
• High awareness of external landscape, market influences and shifting consumer behavior in the food and retail industry

Qualifications: