Lisa Schwendner
Winter Garden
Summary
An accomplished leader with hands on experience in Innovation, Project Management, and Research and Development, spanning several companies. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Product Developer with over 10 years of experience in produce, edible and non-edible grocery, sauces, beverages, snacks, and nutritional products. Known for fostering teamwork and adapting to evolving business needs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Director R&D
Spice World LLC
06.2023 - Current
- Lead function to deliver execution of innovation and renovation initiatives following a Stage Gate Process.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization and projects (Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, and Procurement).
- Spearheaded 3 new innovation product launches to market in 2024 that resulted in increased brand visibility and customer acquisition.
- Managed timeline, budget, formulation, scale-up tests, and regulatory compliance for all innovation and renovation projects.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity, streamlined operations and improved formulas.
Consultant
Innovative Food Solutions LLC
03.2023 - 05.2023
- Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.
Innovation Manager
Peapod Digital Labs of Ahold Delhaize
08.2021 - 03.2023
- Developed and Launched a dozen new products for Private Label brand within Edible Grocery Segment (Pasta/Rice/International, Baking, Glass/Can, Condiments, Commercial Bread/Breakfast) for all ADUSA banners.
- Mentored 2 junior team members, cultivating future leaders within the organization and strengthening overall performance.
- Established effective partnerships with external vendors and organizations, bolstering company resources for innovation initiatives.
- Worked cross-functionally with Category Development, Category Managers, and Private Brands teams to deliver products that meet our strategic initiatives.
- Identified key market trends and leveraged them for strategic decision-making in product development.
Product Development Manager III
Peapod Digital Labs of Ahold Delhaize
12.2020 - 08.2021
- Worked cross-functionally with Category and Private Brands teams to deliver both innovation and products that meet our strategic initiatives
- Cultivated valuable relationships with external partners including manufacturers and distributors facilitating successful launches.
- Oversaw development of more than dozen new products each year for Food Lion stores.
Product Development Manager III
Retail Business Services of Ahold Delhaize
10.2019 - 12.2020
- Identified opportunities for new products and improvements to existing products to increase sales.
- Cultivated valuable relationships with external partners including manufacturers and distributors facilitating successful launches.
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products, resulting in strong stakeholder satisfaction.
Associate Manager
PepsiCo
09.2018 - 10.2019
- Collaborated closely with senior management on strategic planning efforts, aligning departmental goals with overarching company objectives.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, fostering collaboration and mutual support (Marketing, Commercialization, Supply Chain, and R&D) to deliver projects
- Successfully managed multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously while maintaining strict deadlines ensuring product launch.
Product Development Senior Scientist
PepsiCo
03.2017 - 09.2018
- Simultaneously managed several complex global beverage projects, meeting all pertinent milestones
- Gained experience working cross-functionally with business functions (Marketing, Commercialization, Regions, and Insights)
- Manage timeline, budget, formulation, scale-up tests, and claims compliance
- Managed an intern summer team project as well as manage a product development technician
- Championed interdisciplinary collaboration across R&D departments, fostering innovation and creative problem-solving among colleagues
Product Development Senior Scientist
PepsiCo
09.2016 - 03.2017
- Selected and participated in a 6-month Global Rotation program to gain a critical experience in a different part of the business.
- Contributed to the successful launch of 2 new products by conducting thorough experiments and analyzing data to inform design decisions.
- Lead Scientist and Project Lead for several complex projects for the Quaker brand in MENA region.
- Collaborated with R&D and Business (Insights, Supply Chain, and Marketing) counterparts to deliver execution of innovation initiatives.
- Managed timeline, P&L, formulation, scale-up tests for innovation projects.
R&D Scientist
PepsiCo
09.2013 - 08.2016
- Conducted rapid response initiatives and brand maintenance for both Hydration and Carbonated Soft Drinks portfolio.
- Executed beverage product development due to reformulation, regulatory changes, or validate new ingredient or packaging suppliers.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement within R&D teams by encouraging open dialogue about challenges faced during projects and potential solutions to overcome them.
Education
MBA -
Fordham University
Bronx, NY05-2018
Master of Science - Food Science
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC08-2013
Bachelor of Science -
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT05-2010
Skills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Project management
- Organizational development
- People management
- Creativity and innovation
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Elementary
Awards
· Wunderkinds Award (22 under 30 leading Westchester professionals) 2018
· NYIFT Outstanding Section Volunteer Award 2015, 2016, 2018
· Technology Transfer Award USDA-ARS South Atlantic Area 2014
Affiliations
- IFT
Timeline
Director R&D
Spice World LLC
06.2023 - Current
Consultant
Innovative Food Solutions LLC
03.2023 - 05.2023
Innovation Manager
Peapod Digital Labs of Ahold Delhaize
08.2021 - 03.2023
Product Development Manager III
Peapod Digital Labs of Ahold Delhaize
12.2020 - 08.2021
Product Development Manager III
Retail Business Services of Ahold Delhaize
10.2019 - 12.2020
Associate Manager
PepsiCo
09.2018 - 10.2019
Product Development Senior Scientist
PepsiCo
03.2017 - 09.2018
Product Development Senior Scientist
PepsiCo
09.2016 - 03.2017
R&D Scientist
PepsiCo
09.2013 - 08.2016
MBA -
Fordham University
Master of Science - Food Science
North Carolina State University
Bachelor of Science -
University of Vermont
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