Job Description OVERVIEW As the Pet segment continues to expand, we are taking the opportunity to augment our team to help deliver against short- and long-term plans in this critical category for General Mills. The R&D Scientist II will work on a variety of initiatives related to pet food, including the ideation, development, and execution of Blue Buffalo innovation, core renovation, and HMM (holistic margin management, cost savings) projects. The role relies heavily on strong partnerships within Pet R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Marketing, and other cross-functional colleagues. It includes leveraging strong technical skills, critical problem-solving skills, and the ability to challenge assumptions. An ideal candidate is someone who strives for technical rigor in product development and formulation, is willing to build internal and external connections to successfully execute projects, has passion to strategically influencing the business and leading in a cross-functional team environment, and excitement to work on pet food. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Provide product development leadership on innovation, core product renovation, and HMM projects to meet consumer and business needs within manufacturing considerations Develop robust technical plans, collaborate with peers to strengthen approach, and build a pipeline of activities to deliver exciting new or renovated products in support of strategic business priorities Forge successful cross-functional partnerships to commercialize projects with efficiency and excellence Champion food safety, pet safety, pet parent insights, and product quality from product design through production Manage multiple complex projects from concept through launch and flex prioritization based on business needs Drive projects forward amidst complexity Demonstrate a sound understanding of pet food product development, formulation, and comfort level during the execution of pilot plant trials and manufacturing MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in food, animal, or meat science, food engineering, or related field with 3+ years of product development/processing and commercialization experience OR Ph.D. in food, animal, or meat science, food engineering, or related field Demonstrated strong leadership skills with agility to adapt quickly to changes in project scope Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate in cross-functional and external environments Self-starter with a high bias for action, a learning mindset, and a passion to challenge assumptions PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Master's degree in food, animal, or meat science, food engineering, or related field with 5+ years of product development/processing and commercialization space Pet food development/processing and commercialization experience in pet industry or similar experience from an adjacent pet industry (e.g., ingredient supplier, processing equipment supplier) Excellent interpersonal and execution skills, particularly when working with cross-functional and external supply chain partners Additional Considerations International relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. General Mills will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas This role is located in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Remote working arrangements will not be considered. General Mills is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply to any General Mills employment opportunities.