Jay Staiger

Provide strategic leadership for product safety, regulatory compliance, and enterprise quality systems supporting new product development & operational initiatives. Lead cross-functional R&D and quality teams to design and implement improved programs and operational standards across a range of product lines. Direct regulatory risk mitigation and incident resolution to ensure compliance with federal and international food safety and labeling regulations.

Director of Research and Development - Sauer Brands, Inc. - Mauldin, SC

(2020-09 - 2026-07)

• Provide strategic leadership for product safety, regulatory compliance, and enterprise quality systems supporting new product development & operational initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional R&D and quality teams to design and implement improved programs and operational standards across a range of product lines.
• Direct regulatory risk mitigation and incident resolution to ensure compliance with federal and international food safety and labeling regulations.
• Oversee development and performance monitoring of enterprise quality assurance programs, including standards, procedures, and performance metrics.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to evaluate product claims, operating practices, and regulatory requirements when launching new products or entering new markets.
• Conduct market and technology trend analysis to inform innovation strategy and product development initiatives.
• Manage project planning, prioritization, and technical resource allocation for R&D initiatives supporting business growth.

Senior Product Development Manager II - Walmart - Bentonville, AR

(2018-10 - 2020-07)

• Led end-to-end product development and commercialization for shelf-stable fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses representing a $1.14B annual private-brand portfolio.
• Directed development, sourcing, packaging design, and launch of 600+ grocery products across multiple retail categories.
• Led onboarding of 15+ suppliers, strengthening supply chain resilience and ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance.
• Achieved the largest reduction in Complaints Per Million Units (CPMU) among product developers in Q1 2019 through improved supplier specifications and quality oversight.
• Collaborated with regulatory, legal, supply chain, packaging, and merchandising teams to ensure seamless product commercialization and retail launch.

Technical Service Manager II / Applications Specialist - Sensient Technologies LLC - St. Louis, MO

(2015-02 - 2018-10)

• Director of the US Industrial Colors Technical Services/R&D department.
• Successfully developed several new products/new formulations for customers.
• Continually reviewed our laboratory capabilities, looking for gaps and proposing solutions to accelerate new product development (NPD) projects.
• Assisted manufacturing with process improvements and oversaw new product implementation and pilot runs.
• Performed root cause analysis on complaints and/or manufacturing defects.
• Work closely with other departments including sales account managers, supply chain, customer service, and other R&D departments as well as directly with vendors and customers.

Product Manager / Technical Marketing Specialist - Sigma Aldrich Corporation - St. Louis, MO

(2008-03 - 2015-01)

Progressed through multiple leadership roles supporting biotechnology product development and commercialization.

• Managed lifecycle support for 4,000+ cell culture products.
• Led the Zinc Finger Nuclease (ZFN) assembly team within the CompoZr manufacturing program.
• Achieved 95% on-time delivery performance against an 80% target.
• Implemented process innovations that increased production capacity tenfold while reducing costs.
• Trained and supervised scientists and laboratory technicians.

Team Lead / Senior R&D Scientist - Sigma Aldrich Corporation - St. Louis, MO

(2008-03 - 2015-01)

Biochemist III - Sigma Aldrich Corporation - St. Louis, MO

(2008-03 - 2015-01)

Biochemist / Molecular Biologist II - Monsanto Company - St. Louis, MO

(2007-10 - 2008-02)

• Supported transgenic cotton and corn pipeline development within the Agricultural Traits Program.

Doctorate of Philosophy - Biochemistry - University of Arkansas (2007-10)

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry - Missouri State University (2003-05)

Bachelor of Science - General Agriculture - Missouri State University (2003-05)