R&D Strategy Manager - Animal Nutrition

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Job Title: R&D Strategy Manager - Animal Nutrition
Location: Gray Summit, MO, Midwest United States, USA

Company: Land O Lakes
Industry Sector: Agribusiness
Industry Type: Input Retail, Cooperative and Related Crop Services
Job Type: Full Time

Job Description: As stated in the Land O'Lakes Job Posting policy, all employees who post for an internal opening must inform their current manager at the time they apply.

Our growth relies on our extraordinary talent. Unlock your greatest potential at Land O'Lakes by continuing to make a difference, driving results and growing your career.

R&D Strategy Manager - Animal Nutrition

This role is located at our facility in Gray Summit, MO and must be on-site (no virtual/remote). This role does not offer relocation.

The AN R&D Strategy Manager serves as a key strategic advisor to the R&D VP and R&D Leadership Team, driving R&D organizational alignment with market-driven business priorities. This role bridges strategy and execution by assisting with strategic oversight across R&D, ensure technical input to key portfolio processes, and foster cross-functional collaboration to ensure research investments deliver market impact and promote customer experience.

Duty or Area of Responsibility:

40% Strategic R&D Alignment and Coordination
• Partner with R&D VP and Leadership to translate Animal Nutrition Vital Few and business strategies into actionable R&D priorities and increase innovation speed-to-market
• Partner with R&D Leadership to collaborate with key stakeholders including Marketing, Finance, and other teams to ensure R&D pipeline alignment with business needs
• Collaborate with Innovation Manager (Marketing) by coordinating R&D inputs to ensure R&D priorities are effectively integrated into Ignite growth stage gate process
• Monitor industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies relevant to Animal Nutrition R&D

40% Process Management & Support
• Ensure project management and processes are carried out in alignment with Animal Nutrition Vital Few and the broader Enterprise standards
• Facilitate regular strategic reviews and progress communication to stakeholders at all levels
• Coordinate across R&D VP and Leadership to ensure inclusion of technical and strategic input to Innovation Manager's portfolio prioritization process

20% Organizational Transformation & Process Excellence
• Contribute to smooth collaboration across the R&D team to promote collaboration and leverage synergies across species research efforts
• Assist in leading strategic R&D initiatives (e.g., research asset rebuilding, infrastructure projects)
• Establish KPIs and feedback mechanisms to measure R&D market responsiveness and strategic alignment
• Assist VP in developing R&D organizational capabilities for enhanced market competitiveness
• Champion best practices sharing across R&D leadership

Required Experience/Knowledge/Skills (to be able to perform this job):
Bachelor's degree in Agricultural related (Ag business, Animal Science, Agronomy, etc) or Business.

7+ years of experience in strategic operations, business transformation, or R&D management roles

Proven ability to influence and coordinate across matrix organizations without direct authority

Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with ability to translate market insights into operational priorities

Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities across all organizational levels

Experience with stage gate processes, project portfolio management, and cross-functional collaboration

Preferred:
MBA or advanced degree

Animal Nutrition industry experience or technical understanding of product development in the agricultural sector

Familiarity with field trial methodology and research processes

Experience working with Marketing organizations on strategy development and execution

Experience with organizational transformation or process improvement initiatives

The salary range for this role is $ $91,120 -$136,680. In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges.

Grade:

E11

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Job Post Date: 08/23/25