R&D Director

About This Role

The R&D Director is responsible for leading the company’s research and development strategy to drive innovation, product improvement, and technical excellence in food manufacturing. This role oversees the end‑to‑end development process from concept creation, formulation, and prototyping to commercialization ensuring that new products align with market trends, consumer needs, regulatory standards, and business goals.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in R&D within the food or beverage industry.
• Proven leadership experience in managing R&D teams.
• Strong track record of launching successful food products.
• Deep technical knowledge of food formulations, processing, ingredients, sensory science, and shelf-life.
• Strong understanding of food regulations (e.g., FDA, EFSA, HACCP, GMP).
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Innovative mindset with high business orientation.
• Passion for food innovation and consumer insights.
• Leadership presence with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Detail‑oriented, proactive, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new food products from concept to launch.
• Identify emerging food trends, ingredients, and technologies to maintain competitive advantage.
• Oversee formulation, prototyping, sensory evaluation, and shelf‑life studies.
• Improve current product formulations for better quality, cost efficiency, or nutritional value.
• Develop and implement the R&D strategic roadmap aligned with company objectives.
• Manage and mentor R&D teams, including food technologists, scientists, and technicians.
• Drive continuous improvement across processes, tools, and methodologies.
• Ensure all products comply with regulatory, food safety, and labeling requirements.
• Collaborate with QA/QC to maintain high product standards and resolve technical issues.
• Work with Regulatory Affairs to ensure proper documentation and approvals.
• Partner with Marketing to translate consumer insights into product concepts.
• Coordinate with Manufacturing to ensure production feasibility and cost optimization.
• Support Sales teams with technical knowledge and customer presentations when needed.
• Oversee R&D budgets, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Evaluate new equipment, raw materials, and technologies for R&D and production.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, external labs, and research institutions.