Heather Mendenhall

About Heather Mendenhall

As a hands-on creative and dedicated leader in championing new products and processes…

Experience

1. Senior Product Development Scientist - Coated Confections

   Mars

   Jul 2018 — Present

   Key Responsibilities include Leading development of new product launches from bench top to full scale production, working closely with cross functional teams and R&D functions (including Global) to coordinate and deliver high quality technical solutions that meet the desirability / feasibility/ viability requirements for product innovation. Ability to translate consumer insights into tangible, consumer desired products, leveraging a “Design Thinking” approach when appropriate Technical expertise and knowledge of the MWC products and brands; training and mentoring of other associates on the team; assists with knowledge transfer and technical training for associates Identification and development of product development processes to improve “Ways of Working” (WOW) for the product development function. Hands-on experience and proficiency in the pilot plant unit operations as well as skills required to make all components of finished products. Expertise developed to apply during scale ups. Participation in the discovery of new intellectual property, which can be used to drive business growth Keep current and bring in possible application with new developments in the field of food science and technology Follow Mars quality management program requirements for the design and development of new products. Role-modeling documentation (notebooks, written reports) and ensuring proper knowledge management for all projects and protection of intellectual property. Problem solving in defined situations by designing and running tests in the pilot plant, leading line trials, documenting findings, analyzing results and documenting research outcomes. Build knowledge of the company, processes and customers. Understanding and application of key business drivers to accomplish my own work.

Skills

• Sanitation
• R&D
• Haccp
• Food Manufacturing
• Cooking
• Product Management
• Materials Science
• Restaurant Management
• Menu Development
• Baking
• Food Safety
• Food Industry
• Pastry
• Customer Service
• Microsoft Office
• Fine Dining
• Food Quality
• Food
• Consumer Products
• Manufacturing
• Food Microbiology
• Food Processing
• Chef
• Research
• Bakery
• Food Technology
• Candy
• Confectionery
• Food Chemistry
• Ingredient Functionality
• Food Service
• Catering
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Packaging
• Sensory Evaluation
• Product Innovation
• Chocolate
• Flavors
• Food Science
• Food & Beverage