Director, Research & Development

Kinsa is recruiting for a: Director of R&D
Location: Remote (20% travel)

Our client is on an aggressive growth track, thanks to innovative product development, selective ingredient sourcing, and a focus on nature. They are reimagining the way people enjoy treats and snacks! They are looking for a Director of R&D, who will be responsible for championing strategies for innovation, value, packaging and product performance. You will oversee the R&D team, collaborate closely with cross-functional departments and ensure the delivery of high-quality, market-leading products. You will primarily work remotely but will travel to their manufacturing facilities.

• Relevant Bachelors degree, ideally food science. 10+ years in a suitable product development leadership role. Experience relative to chocolate, confectionery, bakery, and/or snack foods.

Compensation/Benefits:

• $160-200k base salary plus bonus
• Medical, vision, dental and disability coverage
• PTO & paid holidays

Key Responsibilities and Goals:

• Working within the budget, lead R&D projects for product and packaging development, driving innovation, value engineering and product improvements.
• Monitor emerging consumer trends, ingredients, and technologies. Optimize existing product lines for quality, cost savings, and market relevance.
• Recruit, lead, mentor, and inspire a strong R&D team, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Help lead cross-disciplinary teams to ensure successful product development and launches.
• Oversee relationships with suppliers, research institutions, and external partners. Ensure proper documentation and intellectual property management for all R&D activities.

Competencies Needed for Success:

• Relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree required.
• 10+ years of experience in food product development with a successful track record of launching new products and improving products. 5+ years in R&D leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes, ingredient functionality, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent project management, leadership, and communication skills.

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://kinsa.com/food-beverage-industry-jobs/#!/

Recruiter Information:
George Blomgren
georgeb@kinsa.com