Director of Commercialization & R&D (Remote)

Kinsa is recruiting for a: Director of Commercialization & R&D
Location: Remote USA
 
Are you a seasoned expert in ice cream and frozen desserts ready to lead innovation at a rapidly growing high-protein ice cream brand? Our client is seeking a dynamic Director of Commercialization & R&D to own the product development lifecycle, from formulation to full-scale production, helping us elevate taste, texture, and overall consumer experience. Join us in scaling our exceptional products nationally and shaping the future of frozen treats!  

What You’ll Do:  

• Lead the development and commercialization of new flavors, formulations, and product formats, ensuring continual innovation and quality.  
• Oversee products from benchtop development through plant trials and full production, managing scaling, troubleshooting, and process optimization. 
• Collaborate directly with co-manufacturers, flavor houses, and ingredient suppliers to execute product launches and refine manufacturing processes.  
• Maintain strict control over finished product quality, consistency, and standards across all batches.  
• Leverage industry relationships to source ingredients, streamline formulations, and enhance product attributes focused on taste, nutrition, cost, and stability. 
• Build and implement scalable R&D and commercialization processes to support rapid national growth.  
• Ensure all products meet nutritional guidelines, labeling, and regulatory standards.  
• Partner with Supply Chain and COO to establish QA procedures, product specifications, and recall protocols.  
• Manage sample and prototype production for internal and external evaluations.

Competencies Needed for Success:  

• Deep expertise in ice cream and frozen dessert formulation, manufacturing, and product development. 
• Minimum of 7+ years in R&D, product development, food science, or related roles within the frozen desserts industry. 
• Proven success in developing and scaling frozen dessert products within a manufacturing environment.  
• Strong technical knowledge of formulation, freezing, overrun, stabilization, inclusions, and sensory evaluation.  
• Extensive hands-on experience with ice cream manufacturing facilities and co-manufacturers.  
• Exceptional taste, texture, and quality judgment with high standards for product excellence.  
• Ability to work quickly, solve problems hands-on, and take ownership in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.  
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to production facilities, suppliers, and co-manufacturers.

Nice to Have Skills:  

• Established industry relationships with co-manufacturers and ingredient suppliers.  
• Experience with regulatory compliance and nutritional labeling standards.

Preferred Education & Experience:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or related field (Master’s preferred).  
• 7+ years of relevant experience in frozen dessert R&D, commercialization, or product manufacturing at scale.

Other Requirements:  

• Willingness to travel as needed.  
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.  
• Passion for innovation in the frozen treat space.

Take an exciting step forward in shaping the future of frozen desserts—apply now to become a key driver of the company’s continued success and growth!

Recruiter Information:
Joe Sommerfeldt
joes@kinsa.com