We are looking for an experienced Food Science and Innovation Director with passion for food, people and innovation, who can generate and manage major innovation projects.
This critical role oversees the development of innovative products from conceptualization to commercial launch. They oversee all aspects of the NPD process including identifying market trends and opportunities, managing projects and teams, developing intellectual property, bringing new products and services to market, and evaluating opportunities for licensing or acquisition.
Accountabilities:
- Managing the end-to-end NPD process including prototyping, sensory testing, and process scaling
- Partnering with leading global food companies on co development of innovating new products that unlock consumer demand
- Driving cross-functional NPD projects in partnership with representatives from marketing, manufacturing, quality assurance, procurement, and finance
- Monitoring food science and nutrition trends, ingredients innovations, and emerging technologies for product development opportunities
- Ensuring NPD portfolio delivers on revenue growth, margin, and launch timing goals.
- Protecting intellectual property related to proprietary ingredients, product formulations, and process technologies.
- Building partnerships with universities, research institutes, and other companies
Minimum Skills Required:
- 10+ years of management experience directing food product development projects that have successfully launched into retail or foodservice markets.
- Advanced degree in food science or technology
- Supervisory/managerial experience required.
- Familiarity with food science equipment required.
- Project Management experience required.
- Experience with consumer insights, culinary innovation, and nutrition.
- Successful track record developing and implementing category growth strategies
- Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to simplify complex ideas and present strategic recommendations.
- Knowledge of alternative protein industry including supply chain and pricing dynamics
- Required To Travel: up to 25% of time
