Senior Scientist - Product Development
Role: Senior Scientist I / II - Product Development
Location: Northwestern NJ (Hybrid - 3 days onsite)
Salary: $95k-110k
Overview
A global, category‑leading consumer packaged goods company is seeking a Senior Product Development Scientist (Level I or II) to support cross‑brand innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance initiatives across its North American portfolio.
Based in East Hanover, NJ, this role sits at the intersection of R&D, marketing, and manufacturing and is ideal for a true senior-level product developer with a track record of independently leading projects from concept through commercialization within large, complex CPG or food organizations.
This is a highly visible opportunity to contribute to well‑known household brands while playing a key role in advancing multiple strategic initiatives across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end product development projects from concept through commercialization with a high degree of ownership
- Drive innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance initiatives aligned with R&D and commercial priorities
- Plan and execute lab, pilot plant, and factory trials, ensuring compliance with GMP, HACCP, and quality standards
- Own product scale‑up and commercialization, balancing technical feasibility, cost, quality, and regulatory requirements
- Design and execute robust experimental plans and technical learning strategies to de-risk development
- Serve as a technical lead and key R&D point-of-contact on project teams
- Utilize technical rigor tools (TRLs, risk management frameworks, structured reporting) and digital tools such as Power BI and AIPD
- Travel: Up to 20-30% (domestic and occasional international travel to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico)
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
- 5-7+ years of product development experience within food, beverage, or broader CPG environments
- Background within large, structured CPG or food companies strongly preferred
- Proven ability to independently lead projects from ideation through commercialization
- Hands-on experience across lab, pilot, and full-scale manufacturing environments
- Strong expertise in formulation, ingredients, and processing technologies
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects with minimal oversight
Benefits
- Opportunity to work on iconic, household brands within a global CPG leader
- High visibility across multiple business units and strategic initiatives (including major brand platforms)
- True end-to-end product ownership and exposure to commercialization at scale
- Strong cross-functional collaboration with senior stakeholders and technical experts
- Hybrid work model (3 days onsite)
- Robust benefits package including healthcare, retirement, paid leave, and education programs
If you're interested in this opportunity, please apply below or reach out directly to learn more.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with CV and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your CV to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.