POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Technical Product Manager – Masa Flour is responsible for leading product development, technical qualification, and innovation efforts across Didion’s masa and arepa flour portfolio. This role will serve as a technical expert and cross-functional leader, guiding internal teams and customers through the development, scale-up, and optimization of masa flour products. With a deep understanding of nixtamalization, corn varietals, and masa functionality, this individual will play a critical role in ensuring product performance, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. The Technical Product Manager will collaborate closely with R&D, sales, operations, engineering, and quality teams to deliver high-performing products that meet customer needs and drive business growth. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Embrace and exemplify the Didion Code of Ethics and Conduct and adhere to all company policies and standards. 
• Lead product development and qualification for masa flour, ensuring alignment with customer specifications and performance expectations. 
• Drive R&D and innovation initiatives focused on enhancing flavor, protein, fat content, and other functional attributes of masa flour and related products. 
• Serve as the internal technical expert on masa flour production, including additives, pH management, texture, lime usage, and cooking procedures. 
• Interface directly with customers to resolve technical and quality issues, providing hands-on support and guidance. 
• Collaborate with operations and quality teams to develop and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality parameters for masa flour production. 
• Develop and deliver internal training and educational materials on masa flour, including Milling 101-style content for team members and customers. 
• Support sales during the selling and onboarding process by providing technical insights, troubleshooting product functionality issues, and guiding SKU selection. 
• Understand and apply knowledge of corn varietals and their impact on masa flour performance and finished product characteristics. 
• Lead product trials, manage sample feedback, and ensure products meet the needs of tier 1 and tier 2 customers. 
• Coordinate with engineering, operations, QA, and business development to ensure successful product launches and scale-ups. 
• Provide market insight to support sales and marketing efforts, helping to anticipate customer challenges and product performance in real-world applications. 

 KEY COMPETENCIES: 

• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of masa flour production, nixtamalization, additives, and process variables. 
• Product Development: Proven ability to lead product innovation and qualification efforts from concept to commercialization. 
• Customer Focus: Skilled at listening to customer needs and translating them into actionable product solutions. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Effective communicator and coordinator across engineering, operations, QA, and sales teams. 
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills to diagnose product issues and recommend solutions. 
• Training & Education: Ability to develop and deliver technical training content for internal and external audiences. 
• Market Insight: Awareness of industry trends, customer expectations, and regulatory requirements. 
• Communication: Clear, effective communicator with strong interpersonal and presentation skills. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is required 
• Operational Acumen: Understanding of manufacturing processes and ability to contribute to SOP development and quality standards. 

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Grain Science, Agricultural Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred. 
• 5–10+ years of experience in masa flour product development, operations, and/or commercialization. 
• Deep understanding of nixtamalization and masa functionality. 
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional commercialization efforts. 
• Strong operational experience and familiarity with manufacturing environments. 
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish required. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: 

• Ability to work in both office and plant environments. 
• Travel required to customer sites, company facilities, and industry events. 
• Periodic visits to manufacturing facilities, including exposure to noise, temperature variations, and industrial equipment. 
• Must be able to stand, walk, and climb for extended periods during site visits. 
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.