Meghan Wirtz
Lena,IL
Summary
Results-driven research and development professional with strong background in leading high-impact projects and driving product excellence. Skilled in team collaboration, problem-solving, and adapting to evolving industry demands. Known for leveraging technical expertise and strategic thinking to deliver impactful solutions and foster continuous improvement. Valued for reliability, flexibility, and steadfast commitment to achieving organizational goals.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Research and Development Manager
TreeHouse Foods Inc.
01.2025 - Current
- Collaborated with R&D leadership to develop a 103 year strategic roadmap for aseptic cheese, pudding and NDC teams.
Principal Food Scientist
TreeHouse Foods Inc.
05.2018 - 01.2025
- Swiftly managed multiple ingredient shortages during 2020-2022, preventing plant shutdowns and customer supply disruptions.
- Interfaced with customers to establish trust, build stronger relationships, and help secure new opportunities.
- Optimized product formulation to reduce ingredient costs, enabling capital investment of additional homogenizers.
Research and Development Manager
TreeHouse Foods, Inc
03.2009 - 05.2018
- Managed the successful integration of the AMPI cheese sauce and pudding formula portfolio into the existing TreeHouse aseptic operation. This added approximately $75 million in annualized sales.
- Led R&D Team through successful new product launches adding over $50M NSV of growth opportunity.
- Key member of the TreeHouse Research and Development career matrix team developing career ladder, job descriptions and requirements.
- Identified as a R&D SME for TreeHouse project management process (PPM) responsible for training new R&D hires.
- Support Sales team with customer meetings as technical representative.
Food Scientist
TreeHouse Foods Inc.
03.2004 - 03.2009
- Created aseptic cheese sauces and pudding formulas, overseeing the process from concept to commercialization.
- Conducted analysis and plant trials to evaluate alternative raw materials.
- Developed line extensions and improvements to aseptic cheese sauce value formulations.
- Managed aseptic sales sample program.
Food Scientist
TH Foods, Inc
01.2001 - 03.2004
- Managed projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer requirements.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully launch new products in a timely manner.
- Developed and maintained documentation for new products including processing parameters, ingredient specifications, and finished good specifications.
- Managed Kosher records for ingredients, products and private label agreements.
- Awarded MVP of 2003 for TH Foods, Inc.
Education
Master of Food Science
University of Illinois
Champaign, ILBachelor of Science - Food Science
University of Illinois
Champaign, ILSkills
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Product development
- Competitive analysis
- Technical leadership
- Cost savings
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Excellent communication
Timeline
Research and Development Manager
TreeHouse Foods Inc.
01.2025 - Current
Principal Food Scientist
TreeHouse Foods Inc.
05.2018 - 01.2025
Research and Development Manager
TreeHouse Foods, Inc
03.2009 - 05.2018
Food Scientist
TreeHouse Foods Inc.
03.2004 - 03.2009
Food Scientist
TH Foods, Inc
01.2001 - 03.2004
Master of Food Science
University of Illinois
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
University of Illinois
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