Our client, a leading innovator in the food and beverage manufacturing space, is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Research & Development to lead their product innovation and technical development efforts. This is a high-impact leadership role with visibility across the organization and a direct influence on the future of their product portfolio. This role is with a company in the food & beverage manufacturing industry based out of the Louisville, KY area.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the R&D function, overseeing product development, formulation, packaging innovation, and process optimization.
- Develop and execute a forward-thinking R&D strategy aligned with consumer trends and business goals.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, Quality, and Regulatory teams to bring new products to market.
- Manage and mentor a team of scientists and technologists, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
- Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to identify new opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and sustainability standards.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field (PhD preferred).
- 10+ years of progressive experience in R&D within the food & beverage industry (bakery & confectionery experience).
- Proven leadership and project management capabilities.
- Strong technical expertise in product development and scale-up processes.
- Familiarity with FDA, USDA, and global food safety standards.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
