Dominic Walter Email & Phone Number

Greater Chicago Area, Il, Us

New York, New York, Us

Led weekly core team meeting facilitation for each innovation project. Provided weekly updates to Director of External Manufacturing & Innovation on the status of all innovation projects, communicating any timeline or P&L risks. Led weekly meeting facilitation with external manufacturing partners and R&D partners on the innovation projects. Worked with project champion and Director of External Manufacturing & Innovation on leading active projects through the stage gate process. Led troubleshooting and communication on any issues that may arise on key projects. Owned project timeline creation and management.

Indianapolis, Indiana, Us

Developed a multi-year innovation pipeline of new products. Managed the full lifecycle of development and commercialization of over 30 new products from concept to market. Conducted comprehensive market research to determine products to develop and launch. Owned price lists, creation of UPC codes, ingredient sourcing, costing, and the certification process. Managed co-manufacturer and supplier relationships for new and existing products and cost-saving initiatives. Sourced packaging vendors and oversaw development and artwork approvals for new products. Developed project tracking strategy and implemented it company-wide. Oversaw retailer and distributor submissions for new products. Worked cross-functionally with sales, marketing, finance, and operations.

Worked directly with major retailers and brands to create and develop product specifications for new and existing projects, oversaw 100 concurrent SKU’s including 30 new products. Utilized industry knowledge to analytically solve problems and challenges across production processes, continuously monitored and evaluated product development to recommend improvements. Performed artwork reviews for all customers packaging for new products prior to production, including USDA regulation, die lines, nutritional statements, ingredient statements, etc. Initiated individual product implementation processes based on best practices and customer specifications, participated in tasks including mock recalls and SQF and customer audits as required. Lead client and team meetings to promote a collaborative environment, enabled strategies for effective information sharing, discussion, and decision-making at all times.

Managed new product development projects from idea to market, supported 15+ Fortune 500 corporations with the designing and creation of more than 50 new product lines. Developed food formulas for nutrition bars, baked goods, chocolate, and confections categories, improved over 100 products by displaying an organized, detail-oriented approach. Tested over 100 products for flavor, texture, color, nutritional content, and client’s specifications, ensured food safety and industry standards were upheld 100% of the time. Collaborated with internal teams and clients to improve product cost, quality, and sustainability. Managed co-manufacturing relationships and prepared all facilities for new products.