Director of Research & Development
Director of R&D (Food industry)
- Director of R&D
- Stamford, CT
- $170,000 to $200,000 + Bonus + Exceptional Benefits
A very notable Food business has created and is looking to hire a New Director of R&D to help Launch, Build, and Lead their New 2026 Innovation Team to help Launch new product categories and evolve existing ranges. The position will be 2 levels down from the CEO (Lots of impact & influence) and co-lead product innovation, renovation, and cost savings efforts across multiple food categories, whilst combining technical expertise with strategic leadership to drive consumer-centric innovation while ensuring compliance with food safety, regulatory, and quality standards
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead product development across multiple food categories, delivering innovation, renovation, and cost savings in partnership with third-party contract manufacturers
- Maintain and evolve R&D systems, including formula repositories, specifications, retain samples, and process documentation
- Build and manage relationships with co-packers, external partners, and suppliers to scale product and process innovations
- Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) across all contract manufacturing locations
- Ensure full compliance with FDA regulations for acidified foods (21 CFR 108 & 114), including process filings, acidification controls, and pH validation.
- Work with Quality to meet FDA's Current Good Manufacturing Practices (21 CFR 117) under FSMA, including review of Copacker Food Safety Plans, hazard analyses, and preventive controls
- Represent R&D in strategic forums and cross-functional decision-making, offering technical leadership and fact-based recommendations
The successful candidate will ideally have:
- 10+ years of Food industry experience in R&D and Product Development experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role
- Proven expertise in Food Safety by Design and risk mitigation during product development
- Deep familiarity with U.S. FDA regulations for acidified foods (21 CFR 108 & 114) is required.
- Demonstrated ability to translate consumer insights into successful food products
- Experienced in building and scaling high-performing teams in dynamic, fast-paced, entrepreneurial settings.
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