Ruminant R&D Manager
About Our Company~
Ralco stands at the intersection of nature and science, delivering transformative solutions that help agriculture thrive. We bring together natural insights and scientific precision to solve the toughest challenges in livestock and crops. Our mission is simple: use our God-given gifts to provide producers with tools they can trust to improve efficiency, enhance health and increase sustainability across their operations.
Nature offers the best solutions but turning them into effective tools requires expertise and innovation. At Ralco, we combine natural insights with advanced technology to create products that:
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Target specific challenges with precision
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Deliver consistent results in real-world conditions
Optimize health and performance for livestock and crops
?Ralco is a science and technology company that provides the agriculture industry with natural technologies that help create safe and abundant food. It is our mission to perfect technologies that naturally create an abundant global food supply. We carry out our mission through applied science and research that enhance practical natural technologies for the agriculture industry. In a world filled with technology that people mistrust, creative thinking has driven Ralco to provide trusted alternatives. Our technologies come to life through products in our Ralco brands: Ralco Nutrition, Strong Animals®, Agnition®, and Ralco Show.
Job Summary:
The Ruminant R&D Manager is responsible for directing the research and development strategy for Ralco’s ruminant products and technologies, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market needs. The R&D Manager helps foster a spirit of innovation and a can-do attitude. This role oversees research initiatives by leveraging both internal resources and partnerships with external institutions. They will work closely with our internal research team to oversee the trial design, treatment allocation, and final report and conclusion for all ruminant trials. The R&D Manager works closely with marketing and sales leadership to build and execute the ruminant P&L Growth Plan. It is the Ruminant R&D Manager’s responsibility to support technical sales efforts and lead a high-performing R&D team focused on innovation and product development in the ruminant sector. This job description is not meant to be all inclusive and duties may vary based on departmental and company needs.
Key Responsibilities:
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Research Strategy & Direction
Lead the development and execution of a forward-thinking research strategy for ruminant products, grounded in scientific excellence and aligned with business objectives. Oversee internal research programs and capabilities while fostering strategic collaborations with universities, research institutions, and industry partners. Ensure a balanced pipeline of short- and long-term innovation projects, integrating both applied and exploratory research. Promote a proactive, data-driven approach to product development, positioning Ralco at the forefront of ruminant nutrition and health solutions.
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Innovation & Technology Integration
Drive creative thinking and innovation within the ruminant R&D space by identifying new opportunities, novel components, and forward-thinking solutions that leverage Ralco’s proprietary technologies. Champion the development of distinctive, science-based products that embody the company’s mission to deliver natural, effective solutions that address agriculture’s greatest challenges.
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Growth Plan & Execution
Collaborate with ruminant leads from marketing and sales to develop, implement, and actively manage the Ruminant Business Growth Plan. Monitor key performance indicators and P&L metrics to ensure research initiatives and resource allocation are focused on areas with the greatest potential for growth. Ensure all efforts are strategically aligned with Ralco’s unique technologies, and core differentiators, to drive long-term business growth.
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Technical Sales Support
Provide expert technical support to the domestic and international sales team, including training, scientific reports, and customer interaction, to help translate research outcomes into market success.
- Team Leadership Manage, mentor, and develop the ruminant R&D team, promoting a culture of innovation, accountability, trust, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications:
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Knowledge and ability to conduct research in all sectors of the ruminant industry.
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Ability to think outside the box while still driving progress forward.
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Proven experience with in-vitro and in-situ research methodologies, including the ANKOM gas production system, cannulated cattle studies, and other techniques in ruminant research.
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Strong knowledge of ruminant physiology, feed formulation, and applied research.
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Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and fosters trust and alignment across departments.
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Ability to drive commercial application from scientific outcomes.
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Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
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Aligns with Ralco’s Values and Purpose.
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Values: Courageous Curiosity, Driven to Deliver, Master your Craft, Root for the Team, People Matter Most, Keep It Simple
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Purpose: Ralco creates effective natural solutions that address agriculture’s greatest challenges
Job Requirements:
Education: Master’s or PhD in Animal Science, Ruminant Nutrition, or related field.
Experience: 5+ years of experience in ruminant R&D, preferred with leadership responsibilities.
Competencies: Research and Analytical Skills, Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving, Strategic and Business Acumen, Leadership and Team Development, Project Management, Communication and Collaboration.
Physical: The following activities are required as needed to perform the job function; lifting, driving, bending, climbing, carrying, and twisting. Confined space entry is not a required job function. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key work duties.
Location: Marshall, MN or Remote
Travel: This position requires travel between Ralco facilities, to customer locations, research trials, trade shows, and conferences.
Pay and Benefits
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Starting Wage: $110,000 - $155,000
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Starting Wage Range includes Salary plus variable pay
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All existing benefits available to full-time Ralco employees as outlined in the handbook.
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