Title:  Director, Scientific Affairs

Director, Scientific Affairs

At WK Kellogg Co, we exist to create joy and connection to inspire Gr-r-reat days. We believe that doing good is always good for business and we have stood for this since Kellogg Company was founded more than 119 years ago. We are passionate about doing our part to make nutritious foods, create social connectivity and respect natural resources. Together, these actions create positive progress for people and the planet – today and for years to come. We have big plans for how we are going to accomplish this, and we would love for you to join us in this effort.

The Director of Scientific Affairs has central accountability for setting the strategy and plans to leverage scientific research to unlock short- and long-term category opportunities, innovation and claims enabling the business strategy to unlock growth in cereal and beyond.  This role will be critical to enabling the organization to compete in the Wellness Segment and continue to advocate for the benefits of cereal. 

This is a Hybrid role. The person must be commutable within 60 miles of our Battle Creek, Michigan Head Quarter office and will be expected to be on-site three days a week. This job requires some travel (up to 25%).

Working Relationships:

• This role would report to the Chief Wellbeing and Sustainable Business Officer with no direct reports.
• Manage all external partnerships to execute the science research pipeline. 
• This individual will represent the organization externally and be a peer to the Director of Technology in R&D, jointly working with our suppliers to gain insights and build against our innovation pipeline. 
• This role would work closely with the Corporate Legal Counsel, VP of Research & Development (R&D) as well as the Director of Regulatory Affairs and the Director of Wellbeing and Sustainability. 
• Additionally, this individual will work closely across the Innovation Marketing, Commercial Strategy, and Brand Marketing teams to ensure the Science pipeline delivers against strategic priorities.

Here's what you’ll be doing:

• Accountable for setting the overall Science Research Strategy, plan and budget to support our 3–5-year business strategy informing annual portfolio  and the R&D pipeline. 
• Identifies and completes deep dives to substantiate category claims as well as identify future opportunities.
• Supports innovation project specific science research for current pipeline
• Leads on monitoring scientific landscape for opportunities and risk informing ingredient risk management team as well as the overall brand plans.
• Manages external consultants and partnerships to execute the annual plan as well as will complete internal scientific reviews as needed.
• Sets Learning Agenda for the broader team to inform annual portfolio strategy and innovation pipeline.
• Represents the organization externally and manages all external partnerships related to this work.

Required Education &

Experience:

• 5+ years in CPG industry with proven track record of managing science partnerships.  Ability to complete literature reviews and other scientific research evaluations. 
• PHD in health-related field and/or nutrition Self-motivated, with the ability to collaborate with others and inspire teams in a creative environment.
• The ability to influence and collaborate with executive level leaders, both by formal and informal communications and presentations.
• Demonstrated experience identifying consumer driven insights, trends, and opportunities, and connecting with scientific or regulatory knowledge to develop simple, accurate, and supportable consumer messaging.
• Expert problem-solving skills and sound judgment.
• High level of ethics, assertiveness, leadership, and diplomacy that will promote good relations with all levels of management and disciplines.
• Good interpersonal skills are essential.
• Project management experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, social media platforms and with computers in general.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written.

Preferred:

• Registered Dietitian and/or experience working with marketing teams and R&D on projects and claims

Compensation Insights:

Salary Range: $160,000.00 -$210,000.00

Salary pay ranges are determined by role and level.  Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, certifications, qualifications, relevant education or training, and local market conditions.  

At WK Kellogg Co, our success depends on our most vital asset — our people. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with benefits and programs that support your Total Health and your journey to be and feel your best — physically, financially, emotionally, and socially. Although subject to change, the below are the benefits currently offered in association with this position:

• Incentive Plan bonus eligibility
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Savings and Investment Plan with Company match and contribution
• Paid Time Off (includes paid sick time)
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Life Insurance, AD and D Insurance and STD/LTD
• Tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance for eligible employees
• Employee recognition program

The above offerings are subject to the terms of WKKC policies, which will control in the event of a conflict with the above descriptions

Our comprehensive and competitive benefits not only deliver value to you and your family but also offer choice to meet your unique needs and knowledge to empower confident decision-making.

ABOUT WK KELLOGG CO

At WK Kellogg Co, we bring our best to everyone, every day through our trusted foods and brands. Our journey began in 1894, when our founder W.K. Kellogg reimagined the future of food with the creation of Corn Flakes, changing breakfast forever. Since then, we have embraced the same spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in everything we do, channeling our founder’s passion and commitment to creating high quality and delicious products while fostering communities. Our iconic brand portfolio includes Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Froot Loops, Kashi, Special K, Raisin Bran, and Bear Naked. With a presence in the majority of households across North America, our brands play a key role in enhancing the lives of millions of consumers every day, promoting a strong sense of physical, emotional and societal wellbeing. Our beloved brand characters, including Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam, represent our deep connections with the consumers and communities we serve. For more information, visit www.wkkellogg.com. 

WK Kellogg Co is proud to offer industry competitive benefits (Physical, Financial, Emotional, and Social) that vary depending on region and type of role. Be sure to ask your recruiter for more information!

If we can help you with a reasonable accommodation throughout the application or hiring process, please email TalentAssist@wkkellogg.com.

THE FINER PRINT

The ability to work a full shift, come to work on time, work overtime as needed and the ability to work according to the necessary schedule to meet job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation is an essential function of this position.

WK Kellogg Co is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For US applicants:

Where required by state law and/or city ordinance; this employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information, please follow this link.

Let’s create gr-r-reat days,

WK Kellogg Co Recruitment