Lisa Schwendner, MS, MBA

Experience

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  Ben & Jerry's

  Dec 2009 - Dec 2010

  QA Intern

  • Performed testing for pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms• Collaborated with the Microbiologist and QA Technicians to ensure product safety

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  North Carolina State University

  Aug 2010 - Aug 2013

  Masters Student

  • Conducted research to determine viability of environmentally friendly cucumber fermentation • Conducted analytical research in a laboratory setting, quality analysis, and fermentation products processing• Recruited and trained a Descriptive Analysis Panel (>50 hours of training) • Experience with TA-XT2 texture analyzer, Brookfield Rheometer, Instron

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  Campbell Soup Company

  Jul 2011 - Dec 2011

  R&D Co-Op

  Part of the Campbell Ingredient Research Applications (CIRA) group.• Researched and examined whole grains in several applications to mask bitterness and off flavors. • Planned and implemented research and development projects from concept to bench top evaluation• Experience with several departments: pasta manufacturing, soup, beverages, baked snacks

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  PepsiCo

  Sept 2013 - Oct 2019

  Project Manager within Global Procurement to commercialize new packaging for North America Beverages. Work cross-functionally with business functions (Marketing, Commercialization, Supply Chain, and R&D). Collaborate with Global Procurement commodities teams (directs, indirect, external suppliers) to deliver new packaging innovation to market. Lead Scientist and Project Lead for several global beverage projects. Gained experience working cross-functionally with business functions (Marketing, Commercialization, Regions, and Insights). Collaborate with R&D counterparts in packaging, engineering, regulatory, and analytical to deliver execution of innovation initiatives. Manage timeline, budget, formulation, scale-up tests, and claims compliance. Have managed an intern team project as well as co-manage a technician. Participated in a 6-month Global Rotation program to gain a critical experience in a different part of the business. Lead Scientist and Project Lead for several projects for the Quaker brand in MENA region. Collaborate with R&D and Business (Insights, Supply Chain, and Marketing) counterparts to deliver execution of innovation initiatives. Manage timeline, P&L, formulation, scale-up tests. Gained experience in working cross-functionally within a stage gate process. • Conduct rapid response initiatives and brand maintenance for both Hydration and Carbonated Soft Drinks portfolio• Support productivity initiatives for both Hydration, Food Service, and CSD portfolio• Manage timeline, documentation, formulation, scale-up tests, claims compliance, etc.

  • Global Procurement Associate Manager

    Sept 2018 - Oct 2019

  • Product Development Senior Scientist

    Mar 2017 - Sept 2018

  • Product Development Senior Scientist

    Aug 2016 - Mar 2017

  • R&D Scientist

    Sept 2013 - Aug 2016
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  Retail Business Services

  Oct 2019 - Dec 2020

  Product Development Manager, Private Brands

  Product Manager to develop new products for Private Label brands for both fresh and center store for all Food Lion banner. Work cross-functionally with Category and Private Brands teams to deliver both innovation and products that meet our strategic initiatives. Manage supplier relationships and specification/nutrition/ingredient compliance.

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  Peapod Digital Labs

  Jan 2021 - Mar 2023

  Innovation lead for all of Ahold Delhaize banners in the Edible Grocery segment. Responsible for developing strategy and pipeline of innovation items for the following categories: Commercial Bread/breakfast, Glass/Can, Condiments, Baking, Pasta/Rice/International. Mentored junior scientist interest in product development and innovation. Work cross-functionally with Category and Private Brands teams to deliver both innovation and products that meet our strategic initiatives. Product Manager to develop new products for Private Label brands for both fresh and center store for all ADUSA banners. Work cross-functionally with Category and Private Brands teams to deliver both innovation and products that meet our strategic initiatives.

  • Innovation Manager

    Sept 2021 - Mar 2023

  • Product Development Manager, Private Brands

    Jan 2021 - Sept 2021
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  INNOVATIVE FOOD SOLUTIONS LLC

  Apr 2023 - now

  Consultant

  Support new product launches for several customers. Work cross-functionally to deliver both innovation and quality products that meet both company and customer’s needs.

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  Spice World

  Jun 2023 - now

  Director of Research & Development