R&D Agglomeration Manager

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Balchem Corporation develops, manufactures and markets specialty ingredients that improve and enhance the health and well-being of life on the planet, providing state-of-the-art solutions and the finest quality products for a range of industries worldwide. Our corporate headquarters is located in Montvale, New Jersey, and we have a broad network of sales offices, manufacturing sites, and R&D centers, primarily located in the US and Europe. Founded in 1967, Balchem is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ - BCPC) with annual revenues over $900 million and a market cap exceeding $4.0 billion. The company consists of three business segments: Human Nutrition & Health; Animal Nutrition & Health; and Specialty Products. Balchem employs over 1,400 people worldwide who are engaged in diverse activities, committed to developing the company into global market leadership positions. To learn more about our dynamic, stable and growing company, visit www.balchem.com

POSITION SUMMARY:

The R&D Agglomeration Manager will lead a team of scientists and engineers focused on developing and supporting agglomerated powder products. Based in Faribault, MN, this role reports to the Senior R&D Manager of Solid Processing Technologies and supports both new product innovation and the optimization of existing products within the food, beverage, and nutraceutical markets.

This position is a vital interface between R&D and internal departments such as Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Sales, as well as a key contact for customers. The Agglomeration Manager will oversee scientific data generation and project execution across the lab, pilot plant, and commercial scales, supporting technology transfer across sites and equipment. The role involves managing and prioritizing the project portfolio, troubleshooting, and ensuring the efficient transfer and scale-up of agglomeration processes to enhance quality, throughput, and cost efficiency. Travel to other sites within the network is expected occasionally.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Champion a culture of safety within the R&D Agglomeration Group, enforcing all safety protocols and demonstrating safe work practices, including the use of equipment safeguards and personal protective equipment.
• Lead the planning and execution of agglomeration R&D projects, managing the progression of new and existing products from ideation to commercialization, with a focus on customer-driven innovation.
• Oversee experimental designs, perform technical experiments, analyze data, and communicate results effectively to inform project direction, enhance product quality, and track innovation metrics.
• Guide team members in goal setting, performance tracking, and personal development, fostering an environment focused on innovation, accontability, and professional growth with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Work closely with Commercial and Operations to facilitate technology transfer, troubleshoot production challenges, and support continuous improvement initiatives across departments.
• Act as a liaison to internal teams and external customers, providing high-level technical support and ensuring projects align with customer needs, commercial objectives, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Participate directly in bench development, pilot, and plant-scale trials, providing technical guidance to the team and solving challenges as they arise.
• Maintain thorough documentation of project activities and experimental results. Ensure adherence to GMP protocols, regulatory requirements, FDA compliance, and relevant quality standards.
• Contribute to ideation by bringing new product ideas and improvements to the table through collaboration with team members and stakeholders.
• Ability to travel up to 10-20% of the time to support site and customer needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related technical field; advanced degree preferred.
• 5-10 years of R&D experience, including management of scientific teams in a fast-paced, project-driven environment. Experience in agglomeration and microencapsulation technologies preferred.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma, Minitab, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage a diverse portfolio of projects from development through commercialization.
• Familiarity with GMPs for food and dietary supplements, with experience in FDA regulatory compliance and relevant quality standards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and ideation skills with a collaborative and results-focused mindset.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to influence and present complex ideas to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, with a willingness to learn new applications as needed.
• Demonstrated success in motivating and retaining talent, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts, project updates, and results to various stakeholders.
• Comfortable managing both tactical and strategic elements of R&D projects.
• Ability to set clear objectives for the team, foster cross-functional collaboration, and drive project outcomes that meet business and customer needs.
• Foster a mindset of continuous improvement within the team, encouraging ongoing process and quality enhancement.

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Balchem is committed to a workplace culture that values and promotes diversity, inclusion, equal employment opportunities, and a work environment free of harassment and hostility.

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