Thomas Sykora Email and Phone Number
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I am a Food Science Professional specializing in Product Development and Commercialization, with over 15 years of experience in food manufacturing. I have a proven track record of leading teams to launch products on accelerated timelines by understanding development and commercialization processes, building strong relationships with partners, and staying open to innovative solutions.Having worked with Global Fortune 100 companies and emerging brands, I have seen the pitfalls and best practices from both ends of the spectrum. Regardless of company size, I am adaptable to change and often described as a “Do-It-All” Product Development Manager. From scoping out new market opportunities (blue-sky innovation) and benching new product ideas to project management, speed-to-market commercialization, and optimizing operational efficiency, I have the experience to drive innovation for your organization.My leadership style is influenced by my experiences working at both large and small companies. My time at multi-national companies taught me the importance of well-defined strategies, clear goals, and flawless execution. Building upon this foundation, I added the entrepreneurial spirit, close community bonds, and “can-do” attitude working at startups. This unique combination shapes my approach to building cohesive teams and fostering a work environment that values each member's contributions while driving innovation and excellence.Recently, I returned from a planned sabbatical in the Czech Republic, where I had the opportunity to rest, reset, and reconnect with my roots. During this time, I also completed TEFL training and developed my teaching and leadership skills in a new setting. Immersed in community and tradition, I broadened my professional and personal perspectives and gained a greater appreciation for my work in food science. Now, rejuvenated and eager to bring my expertise to new challenges, I am seeking a Director of R&D or Product Development role at a forward-thinking food manufacturing company, ideally remote or in the Denver metro area.I am passionate about driving innovation and efficiency in product development and am committed to making a meaningful impact in the food industry. Let's connect and explore how we can collaborate to bring exceptional products to market.
Jack & Annie'S
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Director Of R&D And CommercializationJack & Annie'S Oct 2024 - PresentBoulder, Colorado, Us
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Director Of R&D And CommercializationThe Jackfruit Company Oct 2024 - PresentBoulder, Co, Us -
Personal Goal PursuitCareer Break Sep 2023 - Sep 2024• Relocated to the Czech Republic and took a voluntary career hiatus for an education & wellness sabbatical• Completed Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certification and taught Business English to corporate professionals in Prague, directly improving ability to lead diverse, cross-functional teams.Applied teaching techniques and managed the organization and delivery of lessons and projects, refining mentoring skills and enhancing planning, execution, and team management capabilities essential for overseeing complex R&D projects
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Director Of CommercializationThe Urgent Company Jun 2020 - Sep 2023• Led the entire commercialization process from benchtop formulation to final market delivery, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards• Collaborated closely with Corporate QA team to ensure that all food safety and quality standards were met at all co-manufacturing sites• Partnered with the supply chain team and vendors to source cost effective ingredients and sustainable packaging, significantly reducing waste• Acted as the primary liaison for marketing support on new product development, co-manufacturing, and claim substantiationKey Achievements:• Built R&D Innovation and Commercialization processes from the ground up for Coolhaus Ice Cream, identifying gaps and driving improvements• Led a team of 3 in innovation/renovation pipeline projects, directing cross-functional teams through commercialization and launch, reducing time to market by 25%• Transitioned entire product portfolio to new manufacturing sites, including 20+ novelties and 10 pints• Implemented a streamlined graphics development, proofing, and approval process, redeveloping packaging graphics across all 47 Coolhaus products• Trained new R&D hires on project management and commercialization processes, ensuring adherence to tight timelines and reducing development setbacks• Developed and implemented internal ingredient/formula database, product specification templates, and change management processes, enhancing supplier and manufacturing partner relationships
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Operations ManagerH&W Holdings / Amber Harvest Aug 2019 - May 2020• Utilized extensive food industry experience to build and implement Quality, Safety & Hazardous Material SOPs in a startup CBD extraction facility
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Product Development ManagerBoulder Brands Division At Conagra Brands Jul 2015 - Jul 2019• Collaborated with Marketing and Sales to define scope and key deliverables of project briefs• Recruited, supervised, and coached employees to ensure success in their roles and delivery against company goals• Utilized knowledge in food chemistry for experimental design and measuring process capabilities• Optimized existing product recipes and processes to improve lean manufacturing efficiency, quality, or product costKey Achievements:• Led multiple teams across different technical platforms (plant-based protein, frozen meals), rebuilding project timelines as interim project manager, resulting in reducing project delays by 30% and enhancing cross-functional collaboration• Oversaw development and commercialization for innovation and renovation pipelines, ensuring on-time product launches, which led to a ~20% increase in market share for new products within the first year• Drove product development, from concept through commercialization, for 15+ new products at both external & internal manufacturers, meeting all financial, regulatory, and timeline hurdles while adapting to scope change• Led the transition of 14+ products to new manufacturing sites, leveraging existing capabilities to drive improvements in product appearance and operational efficiencies• Identified improvements to current R&D processes to implement new development and commercialization standards
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Project Manager/Senor Specialist Product Development (Pizza Division)Nestlé Nov 2013 - May 2015Vevey, Ch• Led cross-functional teams through development and commercialization of DiGiorno and California Pizza Kitchen products against aggressive timelines, achieving >60% consumer preference over #1 in-market competitors.• Responsible for designing the architecture, end user training and the migration of recipes into a new PLM system (SAP-RM). • Trained and mentored new hires on development procedures, product paneling, running internal/external factory trials, and overall project management• Consulted for pilot plant team on optimizing efficiency and operational output -
Food Technologist (Pizza Division)Nestlé Nov 2010 - Nov 2013Vevey, Ch• Product development lead on manufacturing optimizations driving >$1MM in savings.• Led technical teams through the stage-gate process maintaining critical milestones while proactively keeping management apprised of project risks, timing, contingencies, and solutions relevant to business success
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Food Technologist (Prepared Foods Division)Nestlé Jul 2009 - Nov 2010Vevey, Ch• Developed and commercialized new frozen entrees for the Stouffer’s Multi-serve and Single serve platforms.• Collaborated with Culinary Innovation Team to identify new food trends in restaurants, leading to the development of restaurant quality entrees. • Led taskforce on identifying and revising critical project management tasks for new product development and the training of new technologists.• Trained and mentored new technologists on project management, cross-functional teamwork, and critical computer systems including SAP, Genesis R&D, and internal product development software.
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Associate Food Technologist (Prepared Foods Division)Nestlé Jul 2008 - Jul 2009Vevey, Ch• Corporate technical support contact for product quality, integrity and operational issues on all Stouffer’s Multi-Serve products, across all four Stouffer’s factories• Executed product reformulations for flavor, nutritional, and cost improvements while maintaining value drivers. Coordinated consumer testing for In-Home-Use Tests and Central Location Tests• Reduced consumer complaints by 50% through cost-neutral solutions• Managed the redevelopment of 30+ cooking instructions for paperboard tray commercialization
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Dairy Plant Production / Quality TechnicianMichigan State University Dairy Plant Jul 2005 - May 2008East Lansing, Mi, Us• Supported manufacture of over 30 different flavors of MSU ice cream and cheese. Ensured product quality through product grading, laboratory analysis and shelf life analysis -
Product Development Intern (Prepared Foods Division)Nestlé May 2007 - Aug 2007Vevey, Ch
Thomas Sykora Skills
Thomas Sykora Education Details
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Michigan State UniversityFood Science
Frequently Asked Questions about Thomas Sykora
What company does Thomas Sykora work for?
Thomas Sykora works for Jack & Annie's
What is Thomas Sykora's role at the current company?
Thomas Sykora's current role is Accomplished Product Development Expert | Rapid Commercialization | Cross-Functional Team Leadership | Innovation | Research & Development (R&D) Professional.
What is Thomas Sykora's email address?
Thomas Sykora's email address is sy****@****ail.com
What is Thomas Sykora's direct phone number?
Thomas Sykora's direct phone number is +172055*****
What schools did Thomas Sykora attend?
Thomas Sykora attended Michigan State University.
What skills is Thomas Sykora known for?
Thomas Sykora has skills like Product Development, Food Science, Food Processing, Food Industry, Haccp, Ingredients, Food Manufacturing, Cross Functional Team Leadership, Commercialization, Frozen, Sensory Evaluation, Dairy.
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