Sean Walsh
HOLTSVILLE
Summary
Accomplished Director of Research & Development with a proven track record at Mamas Creations, enhancing R&D efficiency and spearheading innovative product development. Expert in consumer insight development and strategic decision-making, I led teams to significantly increase company revenue. Renowned for collaborative leadership and a detail-oriented approach, I championed initiatives that merged cutting-edge technology with quality assurance practices.
Research and development professional with strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Proven track record in driving innovation and managing cross-functional teams to deliver impactful results. Highly adaptable with focus on collaboration and strategic planning in fast-paced environments. Expertise in project management, product development, and process optimization.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Research & Development
Mamas Creations
East Rutherford, NJ / Farmingdale, NY
07.2023 - 02.2025
- Established strong relationships with industry partners, fostering collaboration on joint research ventures.
- Managed cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality research solutions within tight deadlines.
- Optimized budgetary allocations for research projects, ensuring maximum return on investment while minimizing financial risks.
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to effectively launch new products, ensuring strong market penetration.
- Led major cost-saving initiatives within the department without sacrificing quality or customer satisfaction levels.
- Evaluated emerging trends in the industry to guide strategic planning for future research investments.
- Reduced product development timeframes by optimizing resource allocation and prioritizing key research initiatives.
- Increased R&D efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative project management strategies.
- Championed a culture of continuous improvement within the R&D department, promoting ongoing learning and skill development among team members.
- Introduced cutting-edge technologies into the R&D process, enhancing overall productivity and innovation capabilities.
- Developed new products for market introduction, resulting in a significant increase in company revenue.
- Implemented rigorous quality control measures, significantly decreasing instances of product defects or recalls.
- Partnered with sales, strategy and business development to identify new product opportunities, manage project portfolio and work assignments.
- Coordinated with purchasing department to identify new materials and technology.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
Director of Research & Development
Farm Ridge Foods
Islandia, NY
02.2018 - 07.2023
- Established strong relationships with industry partners, fostering collaboration on joint research ventures.
- Managed cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality research solutions within tight deadlines.
- Optimized budgetary allocations for research projects, ensuring maximum return on investment while minimizing financial risks.
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to effectively launch new products, ensuring strong market penetration.
- Led major cost-saving initiatives within the department without sacrificing quality or customer satisfaction levels.
- Evaluated emerging trends in the industry to guide strategic planning for future research investments.
- Reduced product development timeframes by optimizing resource allocation and prioritizing key research initiatives.
- Increased R&D efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative project management strategies.
- Championed a culture of continuous improvement within the R&D department, promoting ongoing learning and skill development among team members.
- Introduced cutting-edge technologies into the R&D process, enhancing overall productivity and innovation capabilities.
- Developed new products for market introduction, resulting in a significant increase in company revenue.
- Implemented rigorous quality control measures, significantly decreasing instances of product defects or recalls.
- Partnered with sales, strategy and business development to identify new product opportunities, manage project portfolio and work assignments.
- Coordinated with purchasing department to identify new materials and technology.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
Head Chef
Kitchen A Bistro
Saint James, NY
01.2014 - 02.2018
- Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Developed strong vendor relationships to secure fresh, quality ingredients at competitive prices while supporting local businesses whenever possible.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
- Hired, managed, and trained kitchen staff.
- Created recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Restaurant Food & Beverage Management
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI05-2013
Skills
- Consumer Insight Development
- Validation testing
- Prioritization and Scheduling
- Detail-Oriented Approach
- Strong Task Management
- Clear Interpersonal Communication
- Strong Organizational Abilities
- Collaborative Leadership
- Strategic Decision-Making
- Conflict Resolution
- Operations Management
Accomplishments
- Successfully developed numerous items for grocery and club stores with sales exceeding $100m.
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Created procedures to streamline the R&D process.
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Director of Research & Development
Mamas Creations
07.2023 - 02.2025
Director of Research & Development
Farm Ridge Foods
02.2018 - 07.2023
Head Chef
Kitchen A Bistro
01.2014 - 02.2018
Bachelor of Science - Restaurant Food & Beverage Management
Johnson & Wales University