Dave Ward Email & Phone Number

Philadelphia, Pa, Us

Camden, Nj, Us

Responsible for driving IT systems strategy, managing operations, and leading solution management to support R&D, Commercialization, and Sustainability processes. Accountable for ensuring the quality of all technology services, projects, tools, providers, and processes that the R&D and Commercialization teams rely on to operate effectively. I work closely with R&D, Marketing, Sustainability, and Supply Chain business partners to understand their objectives, processes, opportunities, and challenges, and to develop and deliver a strategic IT roadmap that transforms R&D and Commercialization processes with digital technologies and aligns with global IT strategies.Leads key projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and on scope, realizing projected benefits. Additionally, I assist in developing the R&D and Commercialization IT Roadmap, which establishes a clear linkage between functional needs, IT capabilities, and desired outcomes, and prioritizes the transformation of business processes with digital capabilities such as analytics, robotic automation, AI, and VR/AR/Voice.

Camden, Nj, Us

Responsible for leading the development and implementation of data-driven projects across the R&D and enterprise. One of my key achievements has been the delivery of a working prototype for the Optiva-SAP Formula BOM compare program, which has enabled the business team to ensure successful go-live for all S-L plants to date. The program has also been scaled to support the POC of additional plants, resulting in time savings of over 50%.I have also partnered with the CIO and R&D VP's for Snacks and M&B to understand finance needs and revamp the Enterprise Innovation Scorecard and Vitality Index. This enhanced report and metrics have allowed for greater visibility of the growth of the complete innovation portfolio and for the first time visibility of “Year 2” Financial metrics across the portfolio. I have also driven alignment between R&D, Regulatory, Legal and Sustainability teams to deliver an automated Real Food reporting tool, which has allowed for an enterprise, holistic view of the portfolio for key attributes and has enabled the organization to drive greater visibility into “Real Food” products and high-level decisions around business processes.I have also been responsible for leading the design and delivery of R&D metrics to support strategy, decision-making, and auditing. Additionally, I have led the solution to deliver automated and scalable ingredient nutrition and cost information to enable accurate PD Kitchen Batch development. Furthermore, I have led the alignment to automate and deliver ESG reporting needs for Corporate Sustainability, Key indices such as DJIA, and packaging sustainability. I have also led R&D Data Migration collection from disparate sources to support S-L master data integration and delivered data-related divestiture needs for Arnotts, Bolthouse Farms, Garden-Fresh Gourmet, and Plum.

Camden, Nj, Us

Effectively influenced and managed cross-functional teams, including R&D, Marketing, Sales, Quality, Safety, Regulatory, Master Data, and Nutrition among others, to successfully deliver soup commercialization projects.I was also part of the team that implemented BODS for Optiva ingredient and formula data and synchronized with Optiva master data, ensuring data integrity and accuracy. Additionally, I have managed Optiva user security and provisioning to provide appropriate levels of access while protecting the company's crown jewels.

Camden, Nj, Us

Led as a technical expert for Regulatory and Nutrition related Optiva data and functionality. My expertise and experience were instrumental in supporting the Local Control Board-related activities associated with Optiva data and system changes.Developed in-team database reporting and querying opportunities, providing valuable insights and support for decision-making and problem-solving. Was an active member of the PLM design and data migration teams for Business Release 2 ensuring a smooth and successful implementation of the PLM system.

Camden, Nj, Us

Managed laboratory operations and analytical chemistry and served as a liaison between R&D and the laboratory to prioritize testing needs and develop solutions.Successfully implemented, configured, and managed the Labware Laboratory Information System (LIMS) to ensure efficient and accurate laboratory operations. Collaborated with the LIMS system vendor to integrate laboratory instrument output into the LIMS system, delivering a seamless solution.I have also developed and implemented all internal website content to support our customer base, ensuring they have the information they need to make informed decisions. I have also provided training and guidance to laboratory staff to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.

Camden, Nj, Us

Played a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the nutritional labeling of products and was responsible for performing a wide range of analytical and nutritional testing to support product development and quality control. Worked closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, Quality Control, and Regulatory Affairs to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations while maintaining accurate and detailed records of all test results and data, and communicating findings to key stakeholders.