VP of Research and Development

Kinsa is recruiting for a: VP of R&D
Location: Onsite, Phoenix AZ

Our client is a fast-growing startup aiming to become a household breakfast brand. They are seeking a Vice President of Research & Development to lead innovation strategy and oversee new product development from concept through launch. In this role, you will own the R&D roadmap, aligning it with consumer trends, brand growth goals, and operational feasibility. You will also lead the R&D team in developing innovative formulations, packaging solutions, and customer co-creation programs while maintaining speed to market and brand integrity.

• Relevant college degree, 15+ years of food R&D including dynamic, high-growth start-up experience. Extremely innovative & relentlessly data-driven. Great full-cycle R&D experience, exceptional leadership chops.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $240-290k base salary
• Stock options/equity
• 100% employer-paid Medical for employee and family
• Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
• Generous PTO & paid holidays

What You’ll Do

• Lead the full product innovation pipeline, from concept to commercialization.
• Build and lead a high-performing R&D team across food science, sensory, packaging, and process innovation.
• Turn customer data, market trends, and internal insights into innovation strategy. Introduce tools, processes, and technology to speed and modernize innovation.
• Partner with Marketing, Ops, and Supply Chain to align innovation with launch timelines and supply feasibility.
• Lead a customer-led R&D model with iterative end-user testing and feedback. Develop specifications, prototypes, and scalable formulations with the in-house production team.
• Stay current on regulations, labeling, allergens, and claims to ensure compliant product development.
• Lead cross-functional commercialization for new products and ensure successful launches.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific or technical field required; advanced degree preferred. Flexible, curious, and quick to learn new processes, technology, and ways of thinking.
• 15+ years in food & beverage R&D, in high-growth startup environments.
• Strong food science and product development background, including nutrition, ingredients, and functional foods. Experience leading innovation from concept to shelf.
• Experience building and leading high-performing teams with a focus on mentorship and collaboration.
• A strategic, hands-on leader who enjoys prototyping and building. Passion for turning consumer insights into craveable, scalable products.
• Familiar with co-manufacturing, in-house production, and pilot plant environments.

Referrals are our best source for the top talent our clients need so if you know of anyone with these skills in the food and beverage industry, please pass me their name and email/phone number, or share this job posting with them. Kinsa pays referral bonuses if someone you refer gets hired by our client!

Check out our other food and beverage industry career opportunities at https://www.kinsa.com/food-beverage-industry-jobs/#!/

Recruiter Information:
George Blomgren
georgeb@kinsa.com