Research and development

Bruce 

• Food technology leader, Asia/Pacific
• Leads teams in delivering new food technologies to the Asian/Pacific markets.
• At Cargill since 1998. Based in Elk River, Minnesota, U.S. 

Why did you join Cargill? 

I was encouraged by Cargill’s geographic scope and its commitment of resources to win in the marketplace. Early discussions convinced me that Cargill believed technology (R&D) could be a source of competitive advantage. 

What kinds of problems do you help solve? 

Our challenge is to deliver the best food technologies to the Asian/Pacific markets. We do this by creating concepts, developing technologies, creating prototypes and supporting customers as they work with our products. A critical responsibility I have in making sure we serve customers well is in identifying and helping develop our talent. I also have the responsibility to help connect our regional technology resources with those across Cargill. Connecting our collective capabilities helps us solve our customer problems more efficiently and get products to market more quickly.

What is it like to work in R&D at Cargill? 

The environment is challenging. We are always trying to meet our customers’ changing needs and help them take advantage of opportunities. The dynamic nature of our work helps to keep our responsibilities exciting. The Cargill culture is one in which integrity, respect for and commitment to serve others and a passion for success are highly valued. My colleagues can be counted on to challenge my thinking, but we all understand it’s about reaching the best decisions. Once we decide, we work together to champion the decisions to their meaningful conclusion.

What keeps you at Cargill? 

I really like knowing that the technologies we produce make a difference in other people’s lives. Competitive wages and benefits are also among the rewards, but more important are the intellectual stimulation, authority to make decisions, supporting resources and team environment to get things accomplished. Also Cargill constantly challenges you to grow.  I recently moved into my current position in a part of Cargill that is completely different from where I spent my first 10 years. I know that I am headed for another intensive growth experience.

What might you tell someone interested in an opportunity in Cargill R&D? 

Cargill will challenge, encourage and support you to grow beyond where you anticipate. The company offers coaching and support to help you be a productive member of the team and to grow into your potential for leading. You will grow not only in your technology expertise and capability but also in your understanding and appreciation of technology’s many touchpoints with customers, business strategy, quality assurance, manufacturing and finance. This broad view of technology will allow many doors to open in your future.