Vice President, Research & Development and Innovation

JOB SUMMARY:

The Vice President, Research & Development and Innovation leads the company's product innovation and R&D strategy, overseeing product development, food science, commercialization, sensory programs, and portfolio enhancement efforts. As a member of the Leadership Team, this role is responsible for identifying growth opportunities, bringing innovative products to market, and ensuring the company remains responsive to evolving consumer preferences, market trends, and business needs.

The VP works closely with Marketing, Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, Food Safety, and Quality teams to successfully develop and launch products that meet consumer expectations for taste, quality, value, and performance. This leader helps shape the future of the product portfolio while balancing innovation, operational capabilities, speed to market, and business results.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description represent management's assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

• Develop and execute the company's innovation and product development strategy to support growth, profitability, and long-term business objectives.
• Lead all Research & Development and Innovation activities from concept through commercialization.
• Drive the innovation pipeline by identifying consumer trends, competitive opportunities, and new product platforms.
• Partner with Marketing, Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance to ensure successful commercialization of new and improved products.
• Establish priorities for product development initiatives, ensuring resources are aligned with strategic objectives and business needs.
• Provide technical leadership in food science, product formulation, ingredient functionality, product quality attributes, and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with Quality and Food Safety teams to ensure products consistently meet company standards, regulatory requirements, and consumer expectations.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance product quality, consistency, and overall consumer experience.
• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing team by fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage the R&D budget, innovation portfolio, and related performance metrics to ensure effective use of resources and achievement of business objectives.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, providing strategic recommendations that support growth, operational excellence, and innovation leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Deep understanding of food science, ingredient technologies, product development, commercialization, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong business acumen with demonstrated ability to connect innovation strategies to financial outcomes.
• Strong understanding of food quality standards, food safety principles, and regulatory requirements within a food manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to balance innovation, product quality, operational capabilities, and business objectives.
• Exceptional leadership and team development skills.
• Strong strategic planning, project management, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Experience managing complex cross-functional initiatives and organizational change.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline required. Master's degree preferred
• Minimum 15 years of progressive food industry experience.
• Minimum 8 years of leadership experience managing R&D, product development, innovation, or commercialization functions.
• Experience within CPG, food manufacturing, or foodservice industries required.
• Proven record of bringing successful products to market and leading innovation portfolios.