Manager, Technical Applications

About Grande

With more than 80 years of crafting “The Finest Italian Cheeses Money Can Buy,” Grande is a leader in the industry. We partner with independent pizzerias nationwide and support food‑manufacturing partners with specialty whey ingredient solutions. Our commitment to quality is matched by a focus on workplace culture, career growth, work‑life balance, and community support. Learn more at www.grande.com.

Benefits

• Low‑cost onsite clinics
• Free onsite fitness center
• Free healthy snacks throughout facility
• Health and wellness reimbursement program
• Associate cheese purchasing program
• Two‑year mentorship program
• Relaxation rooms (based on location)
• Coffee and gelato bar (based on location)
• State‑of‑the‑art corporate building
• Paid parental leave

Location – Fond du Lac, WI

Fond du Lac offers a full four‑season experience with warm summers, abundant outdoor recreation, and snowy winters for snowmobiling, cross‑country skiing, and ice fishing. The metro area (population ≈ 43,000) is an hour from Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay, ranked “Top 100” in job growth among small U.S. metros, and has a cost of living about 4 % below the national average (housing, rent, and property taxes are ~21 % lower). The community features strong educational partners, diverse cultural activities, and a vibrant business environment.

Job Summary

Join our team as a Manager, Technical Applications. You will lead the development of innovative food and beverage solutions using value‑added functional ingredients. In this collaborative, customer‑facing role you will guide a team of Applications Scientists, partner with Product Development, Sales, and Marketing, and translate technical expertise into commercial success.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high‑performing technical applications team, fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Drive application development and commercialization, partnering closely with R&D to evaluate and optimize ingredient performance.
• Serve as a trusted technical resource for customers and internal teams, providing solutions, training, and support that drive business growth.
• Manage strategic projects and application initiatives that expand market opportunities across domestic and international markets.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (required).
• Six or more years of experience in food product development, preferably with dairy or functional ingredients.
• Experience managing technical teams and performance‑management processes.
• Proven ability to manage a technical project portfolio that delivers sales success.
• Ability to lead and conduct application research and development activities.
• Strong scientific and technical knowledge (microbiology, chemistry, statistics, biology, sensory science, food science, dairy science, biochemistry).
• Effective writing, presentation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Demonstrated ability to discuss technical product information with customer R&D teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong relationship‑building skills with internal and external customers.
• Proven leadership, team‑building, and guidance capabilities.
• Cross‑functional collaboration experience supporting business and customer priorities.
• Ability to make timely, effective decisions and keep projects on track.
• Willingness to travel up to 30 % of the time.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Food Science or a related field.