Director of R&D Candidate

SEEKING A ROLE AS: R&D Manager / Director, Sr. Product Development Manager

IN LOCATION: Based in Michigan. Willing to relocate nationwide and travel extensively to support global commercialization and strategic partnerships.

SKILLS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
– 15+ years of senior R&D leadership across beverage, bakery (fresh & frozen), and shelf-stable product platforms.
– Directed innovation initiatives contributing to US$3B+ market expansion and supporting a US$5B RTD growth strategy.
– Launched 80+ products globally across 12 product portfolios, including flavored beverages, dairy/alt-dairy formats, bakery platforms, and shelf-stable SKUs.
– Expanded international market presence by 72%, growing distribution from 47 to 81 countries within two years.
– Managed budgets and led cross-functional collaboration across 8+ global R&D centers and multiple co-manufacturing facilities to ensure scalable commercialization.
– Applied Lean methodology and Six Sigma tools to reduce project timelines by 25% and improve manufacturing efficiency.
– Deep technical expertise in dough rheology, thermal processing, extrusion, HPP, baking profiling, and sensory program development.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:
M.S. in Agricultural & Biological Engineering (Food Process Engineering)
B.S. in Chemical Engineering
Certified Six Sigma Green Belt | Better Process Control School | AIB Science of Baking Certification | LUMA Human-Centered Design Practitioner

COMPENSATION: Base salary expectation in the $165,000 – $180,000 range depending on total compensation package, incentive structure, and scope of responsibility.

If you are interested in speaking with this Global R&D Innovation Leader who can drive strategic product development, manage full commercialization cycles, and scale beverage, bakery, and shelf-stable portfolios across international markets, then…
Contact:
Stephanie Savage
stephanies@kinsa.com
Worksite Preference:Open
Employment Preference:Permanent, Board