Job Description

At Corbion, we exist to champion preservation in all its forms, preserving food and food production, health, and our planet.

The Director, Product Management is based in our Lenexa, KS office and will report directly to the Vice President, Functional Systems. This role will play a key part in the strategic direction of the Functional Systems business and will be critical in ensuring the success of strategic plans, implementation, and growth. Within Corbion, product management links the market to manufacturing, and can translate market needs into the language of scientists, sales, and operations. Functional Systems is a key strategic pillar for our global strategy, encompassing blends of ingredients (i.e. enzymes, hydrocolloids, etc.) designed to deliver maximum functionality in markets such as bakery, dairy, and other foods market.

Responsible for:

• Establish and implementation of the business strategy for respective area (3-5 yr time horizon); link the market/commercial to manufacturing
• Vocal contributor to business discussions and decisions

Decision Making:

• Decision making authority on supply planning, formulation, raw material selection, and will recommend progression of pipeline projects
• Pricing decisions on target setting and acceptance of variance vs. floor pricing in the market for the region

Accountability:

• Must know, understand, and communicate Corbion strategy, market share positioning, profitability strategy for the NAM region
• Set price guidelines for respective categories to maintain competitiveness and achieve financial targets for the region

Key Activities:

• Establish and implement pricing the pricing strategy per product group/customer segment, and working capital guidelines consistent with profit and market share goals. Should be consistent with overall Corbion price strategy and budget goals.
• Drive the portfolio management of responsible categories, including lifecycle mgmt, portfolio shaping, pricing, etc. Responsible for ensuring insights are turned into action.
• Define and manage KPI's for yearly accomplishment of the strategy
• Responsible for the creation and management of the innovation (Type I, II, and III) portfolio/funnel - they should ensure that it meets the growth needs over time
• Assure the quality supply of solutions by working with all functional groups across Corbion
• Be the voice of the strategy and align the various cross functional groups to the goals of the strategy
• Develop key raw material strategies and aid in leading strategic sourcing partnerships with critical suppliers

• Develop, define, and drive product related improvement initiatives
• Driving demand shaping activities on constrained assets (preventing long term shortage)
• Crisis management (supply shortage, product failure or regulatory changes)
• Own the budget (spend) for your area (make a recommendation/rationale to Sr. Director)
• Other duties as assigned
• May have direct report(s)

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Food, Biology, Chemistry, Biotech or related field. Preferably Master’s degree in food or business

• 15+ years relevant experience; some experience in PM, strategy, or commercial required; some people management experience preferred
• Skills in data, both quantitative and qualitative, analysis is necessary
• Exceptional communication skills to lead cross functional teams, and manage key internal stakeholders is required
• Able to handle the complexity of a matrix organization
• Hands-on, a self-starter with entrepreneurial spirit and a team player
• Travel will average ~20%

About Corbion

Corbion is a sustainable ingredients company dedicated to preserving what matters, including food and food production, health, and the planet. We specialize in lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives, food preservation solutions, functional blends, and algae ingredients, using our deep application and product knowledge to propel nature’s ingenuity through science. With more than a century of experience, we continue working side-by-side with our customers to make our cutting-edge technologies work for them. Leveraging our advanced capabilities in fermentation and preservation technology, we help customers differentiate their products in diverse markets ranging from food and animal nutrition to home & personal care, pharmaceuticals, electronics, medical devices, and bioplastics. In 2024, Corbion generated annual sales of € 1,332.0 million with a workforce of 2,399 FTEs. Corbion is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. For more information: www.corbion.com

Corbion is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workplace. All applicants will be considered equally without regard to race, color, ethnicity, veteran status, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, handicapping condition, membership in an organization or any other non-merit factors.

Corbion provides reasonable accommodation to applicants.

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled

Corbion does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. All candidates must be submitted by approved Corbion vendors who have been expressly requested to make a submission by our Talent Acquisition team for a specific job opening. No placement fees will be paid to any firm unless such a request has been made by the Corbion Talent Acquisition team and such candidate was submitted to the Corbion Talent Acquisition Team.