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Director Food Product Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sodexo

Director, Product Development (Food)

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$116 - $140/hr

Sodexo is seeking System Culinary Director to lead culinary excellence across University Hospitals ... Drive culinary innovation by leading new recipe and product development across multiple food brands.

Schwans

Sr Mgr Product Development

Gahanna, OH · On-site

$86K - $142K/yr

Direct and manage the development of new chicken-based Asian food products, improved products, cost improvements, and product maintenance that support existing and future business plans. Provide and ...

StarTech.com Ltd.

Director, Product Development

The Director, Product Development, will play a pivotal role in improving time-to-market, strengthening product quality, and ensuring regulatory compliance while aligning execution with evolving ...

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How much do director food product development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for director food product development in the United States is $163,684.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,500.00 and $185,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of food product development do?

A Director of Food Product Development leads the creation, improvement, and launch of new food products for a company. They oversee teams of food scientists, chefs, and product managers to ensure products meet quality, safety, and market standards. This role involves collaborating with marketing, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to bring innovative food products from concept to shelf. They also monitor food trends, regulatory requirements, and consumer preferences to guide product strategy and ensure the company's offerings remain competitive.

How does a director of food product development typically collaborate with other departments to bring new products to market?

As a Director of Food Product Development, you will frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, quality assurance, supply chain, and regulatory affairs. Your role involves coordinating product ideation sessions, aligning with marketing on consumer trends, working with R&D on formulations, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Regular communication and project management are essential to synchronize timelines and ensure a successful product launch. This collaborative environment fosters innovation while making sure products meet both business goals and industry regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of food product development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Food Product Development, you need a strong background in food science, product formulation, and project management, typically supported by a related degree and experience in the food industry. Expertise with sensory analysis tools, regulatory compliance systems, and product lifecycle management software is commonly required. Leadership, creativity, and cross-functional communication are essential soft skills that help drive innovation and team collaboration. These skills and qualities are important for successfully developing market-ready products that meet both consumer demands and regulatory standards.
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Director Food Product Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Food Product Development job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,684 per year, or $78.7 per hour.

Food Product Development Manager, DSM

Ventura Foods

Fort Worth, TX • Hybrid

$109K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Ventura Foods rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

241st of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Employment Type: Salaried
Work Arrangement: Hybrid 

Position Summary:

The job involves working collaboratively with Ventura's Culinary, Technical Services, Sales, Marketing, Insights, Project Managment Office, Operations, Quality, and our customers to develop on-trend food products within our core technology areas from benchtop through plant production that help our customers delight their customers.  It also involves the development and execution of development-focused research projects to support the growth of our business. This position will lead a team of developers within a Center of Excellence in the organization and be responsible for the daily activies and project work of the team. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Ensure training and development activities are provided to optimize staff skills, conduct performance appraisals, and develop individual objectives for staff.
  • Lead and supervise the product development team at a Center of Excellence. Prepare and monitor related departmental budgets. Administer the project work load. Oversee activities of the staff  to ensure high quality results and timely completion of all projects within budgetary guidelines.
  • Responsible for cultivating business relationships with our Sales, Culinary and Marketing teams and customers.
  • Work with and manage the team collaboration with Ventura chefs in the development of new menu concepts and value added finished products.
  • Review project request for both operational and economical viability prior to starting product development.
  • Technical/PD representation communicating Product Development  concerns, issues, requirements and details to our internal partners and customers. Ensure accurate, timely response to inquiries from our customers.
  • Work internally with Operations, QA, Engineering on capability requirements and Quality concerns and issues.
  • Work internally with Sales and Marketing on new product initiatives.
  • Remain current with advances in Sauce and dressing technology and industry needs to provide leadership and technical expertise to ensure productivity and delivery of quality products and services to our National Chain Account Customers. 
  • May represent Vice President or Director as required at meetings or industry events.   May interview and recommend hiring of technical personnel.
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science or equivalent experience and 10+ years of experience commercializing and launching products is required.
  • 3+ years people management including project management and customer interaction experiences is required.
  • 3+ years' experience in any combination of Ventura categories i.e. dressings, sauces, mayonnaise, fats & oils.
  • Detailed understanding of the research and the development cycle is required.
  • Ability to travel up to 20%. 
  • Experience launching products into Foodservice is highly desirable.
  • Prior experience working in a restaurant is a nice to have.
Knowledge and Skills:
  • Broad knowledge of sauces and dressing formulating. 
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills combined with good writing and editing skills.
  • Must have general understanding of food codes and regulatory guidelines and the ability to research regulatory matters as needed.
  • Must be able to manage projects from bench to commercialization.
  • Must possess a basic understanding and knowledge of ingredient interactions.
  • Must possess organization, project management and effective written and verbal communication skills are required.
  • Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
  • Must have knowledge of lab and pilot processing equipment.
  • An understanding of emulsion technology, dry blend technology, flavor development, and the basic science of process technology.

Why Join Us:
Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses.  We make exclusive products for the world's most iconic restaurants and retailers, we provide ready-to-go product solutions for professional kitchens, and we make consumer brands everyone knows and loves.  When you work for Ventura Foods, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work.  As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you're willing to push yourself to get there.  We invest in your growth because you invest in ours.  

Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:

    • Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision - coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees
    • Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)
    • Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays
    • Employee Appreciation Events and Employee Assistance Programs
    • Annual bonus (based on the incentive program terms and conditions)

Diversity & Inclusion:
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values.  We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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