*This is not a role with ForceBrands!*
About the Role
The Director of R&D and Innovation is responsible for leading efforts involved in all new product development, line extensions, process improvements, and productivity, with direct responsibility over all key projects and timelines. This position will play a key role in bringing innovation, expansion, and top-tier quality control plans to life. As a key member of the Operations leadership team, this role will be tightly connected cross-functionally with Marketing and Sales to ensure we deliver outstanding execution and breakthrough innovation.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and direct the new product development process (lab, pilot testing, and plant start-up) for all new projects. Ensure successful new product introduction in line with cost targets and the Marketing and Sales team's objectives and timetable. Establish department annual and quarterly goals in line with company strategies.
- Work closely with the Founders and Marketing team to align on key innovation projects and product attributes.
- Cross-functional coordination with Supply Chain, Marketing, and Sales teams to ensure projects are executed with excellence, on time.
- Provide technical input to Marketing to support the planning of the annual new product development plan, in line with the company strategy.
- Act as a technical consultant to all Quality Assurance, Operations, Food Safety, and all other operational departments.
- Evaluate and make recommendations concerning the application of new ingredient/processing technologies and equipment. Review product formulations and processing to assure optimum quality and cost ratio. Propose recommendations to improve profitability, where appropriate.
- With Supply Chain personnel, evaluate potential new ingredients, co-packers, and packaging suppliers to ensure they meet the company’s requirements and fit with the company's strategy.
- Establish testing parameters for shelf-life and quality attribute studies with the QA team.
- Coordinate trials with the Operations / Supply Chain team across the co-pack network. Ensure products are consistent and meet all quality standards and specifications across our co-pack network.
- Manage the label approval process for accuracy and regulatory compliance. Provide nutrition facts label and ingredient statements for all products. Ensure package labeling is correct and compliant with all applicable regulatory requirements.
- Prepare and maintain complete product specifications for new and existing products, including raw materials, product formulation, process flows, and agreed quality control methods.
- Conduct frequent product evaluation sessions of new, existing, and competitive products with marketing. Assist QA to identify and resolve operational problems to ensure that product quality and specifications are maintained.
- Keep abreast of new technology, innovation, competition, and regulatory issues.
- Most important: Can handle all aspects without a big team; very independent and reliable; communicates excellently with the team; and is very detail-oriented.
Desired Skills and Experience:
- A minimum of 10-15 years of food product development experience. Bakery, dough, cookie experience required—including clean, gluten-free, and vegan baking experience. Plus, a strong network of bakery and dough ingredient suppliers, co-packers, and technical experts.
- Strong understanding of food and bakery/dough manufacturing and process equipment. Experience in a manufacturing environment is a strong plus.
- Successful timeline and project management skills to ensure strong project execution. Develop and maintain project plans, identifying critical paths and resources required.
- Strong problem-solving skills and intellectual curiosity.
- Ability to provide sound recommendations and decision-making that balances technical, commercial, financial, and timeline needs of a project.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills with a strong bias towards cross-functional input and collaboration. Must successfully partner and lead cross-functional project teams. Plus, the ability to work with a high level of autonomy, yet also as a strong team player.
- Strong business acumen and demonstrate business knowledge to assist in well-rounded discussions on projects, including commercial and financial project requirements.
- Highly motivated individual who wants to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
- Experience and strong working knowledge in regulatory, labeling, and food safety/quality.
- A bachelor’s Degree in food science or a related field is required.
- High level of computer proficiency required.
- Be available to travel as required for trial runs, meetings, etc.
Compensation / Benefits:
- Salary and Bonus, commensurate with experience
- Remote position, but ability to travel frequently with regular visits to supply chain, ingredient, and innovation partners.
- Health benefits
- Remote / virtual team
- Entrepreneurial, fast-paced, passionate environment with big rewards/opportunities
- Opportunity to have real impact and make a difference in the food industry