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Director Food Research Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lab37

Research & Development

Los Angeles, CA

Culinary R&D Associate, Robotic Kitchen Product Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on the development and deployment of robots designed specifically for direct-to-customer food ...

Lab37

Research & Development

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $28/hr

Culinary R&D Associate, Robotic Kitchen Product Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on the development and deployment of robots designed specifically for direct-to-customer food ...

CareDx, Inc.

Director, Research & Development

Waltham, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CareDx is seeking an accomplished Director of Research & Development to lead the scientific and technical advancement of the NavDx and NavDxGyn product portfolios. This position will provide ...

Tamus

Director, Research Development

Bryan, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Title Director, Research Development Agency Texas A&M University System Offices Department Center for Applied Communications and Networks Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Bryan ...

CareDx, Inc.

Director, Research & Development

Waltham, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CareDx is seeking an accomplished Director of Research & Development to lead the scientific and technical advancement of the NavDx and NavDxGyn product portfolios. This position will provide ...

Crumbl

Research & Development Chef

Provo, UT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Under the direction of the Director of Research & Development the R&D Chef will execute daily tasks ... Utah Food Handlers Permit will be needed and we can help with the process if you don't have a UT ...

Cresilon, Inc.

Director of Research & Development

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Director of Research & Development will lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers, focusing on the development of innovative hemostasis medical devices for both animal health and ...

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Director Food Research Development information

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$65.5K

$162.7K

$215K

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for director food research development in the United States is $162,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,000.00 and $194,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Director Food Research Development vs Food Scientist?

AspectDirector Food Research DevelopmentFood Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/PhD in Food Science or related field, leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Food Science or related field
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in R&D departments, strategic planningLaboratory and product development settings, research-focused
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, large food companies, R&D divisionsFood companies, research institutions, product development teams

The main difference is that a Director Food Research Development oversees R&D strategies and manages teams, while a Food Scientist conducts research and develops new food products. The director has more leadership responsibilities, whereas the scientist focuses on technical research and experimentation.

What does a director of food research and development do?

A Director of Food Research and Development oversees the creation and improvement of food products within a company. They lead teams of scientists, technologists, and product developers to innovate new recipes, enhance food safety, and ensure products meet quality and regulatory standards. This role involves managing research projects, collaborating with marketing and production teams, and staying up-to-date on industry trends to drive product success in the marketplace.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of food research and development, and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Food Research and Development often encounters challenges such as aligning innovative product development with regulatory compliance, managing cross-functional teams, and balancing creativity with cost-effectiveness. Navigating shifting consumer preferences and ensuring timely launches can also be complex. Success in this role requires strong project management skills, effective communication with marketing, quality assurance, and production teams, and staying updated on industry trends and food safety standards.

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

To thrive as a Director of Food Research and Development, you need advanced expertise in food science, product development, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a degree in food science or a related field and significant industry experience. Familiarity with R&D project management tools, food safety systems like HACCP, and quality assurance certifications such as SQF or ISO 22000 is typically required. Strategic leadership, creativity, and strong cross-functional communication skills help drive innovation and successful team collaboration. These competencies are vital for ensuring safe, marketable products and leading teams to deliver results in a competitive food industry.
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Director Food Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Food Research Development job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $162,707 per year, or $78.2 per hour.

Director of Research & Development

New Horizons Food Solutions

Columbus, OH

$95K - $105K/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

About New Horizons Food Solutions
New Horizons Food Solutions LLC has proudly served the Food, Beverage, Health Care, and Personal Care industries for nearly two decades, supporting some of the world's most recognized brands. Established in 2004 and 2005, respectively, these entities combined their expertise to create a one-stop innovative ingredient solutions company.
Our team specializes in customized culinary products including seasonings, flavors, functional blends, coatings, dry ingredient systems, liquid ingredient solutions, soups, sauces, nutritional fortifications, and custom formulations for both savory and sweet applications. Through innovation, scientific expertise, and operational excellence, we transform ideas into high-quality products that help our customers succeed.
At New Horizons Food Solutions, we value innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We foster an environment where curiosity is encouraged, creativity is rewarded, and talented individuals have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of food.
Compensation amp; Benefits
Salary: $95,000-$105,000 (Based on Experience)
Location: 2300 Citygate Drive Columbus, OH
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, company-paid Dental and Vision, Disability and Life Insurance, 401(k) with company match, and paid Vacation.
Additional benefits include:
• Employee appreciation events
• Professional development opportunities
• Career advancement
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)
• Leadership development opportunities
Position Summary
The Director of Research amp; Development is responsible for leading the strategic direction, innovation pipeline, and product development initiatives for New Horizons Food Solutions. This role oversees the development of new products, continuous improvement of existing formulations, commercialization efforts, and the overall management of the R amp;D department.
The Director will work closely with Operations, Quality, Procurement, and executive leadership to ensure products meet customer expectations, regulatory requirements, manufacturing capabilities, and company growth objectives. This position plays a critical role in driving innovation while building and developing a high-performing technical team.
Key Responsibilities:
The Director of Research amp; Development will be responsible for performing or overseeing the following functions, including but not limited to:
• Develop and execute the company's Research amp; Development strategy in alignment with business objectives.
• Lead the innovation pipeline by identifying emerging ingredient technologies, market trends, and opportunities for new product development.
• Drive the development of customized ingredient systems including dry blends, liquid ingredient solutions, seasonings, sauces, coatings, functional blends, and nutritional formulations.
• Evaluate new raw materials, ingredients, processing technologies, and supplier innovations.
• Establish long-term product innovation roadmaps that support strategic growth initiatives.
• Direct product development from concept through commercialization.
• Oversee laboratory development, bench testing, pilot trials, plant validations, and production implementation.
• Lead formulation optimization initiatives focused on functionality, quality, manufacturability, and cost efficiency.
• Ensure all new products meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and manufacturing capabilities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Research amp; Development team while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, project timelines, and performance metrics.
• Manage departmental budgets, capital investments, and resource allocation.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration between R amp;D, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and Executive Leadership.
• Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, GMPs, HACCP requirements, labeling regulations, and customer specifications.
• Oversee product documentation, formulation records, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Support quality initiatives through product validation, shelf-life studies, ingredient evaluations, and continuous improvement projects.
• Stay informed of regulatory changes and industry best practices impacting product development.
• Serve as the company's technical innovation leader by identifying future opportunities that strengthen New Horizons Food Solutions' competitive position.
• Evaluate research investments and innovation opportunities that deliver long-term value.
• Represent the company during supplier visits, industry conferences, trade shows, and professional organizations to stay connected with emerging technologies and best practices.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience in food manufacturing, ingredient manufacturing, or product development.
• Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience managing Research amp; Development teams.
• Demonstrated success leading new product development from concept through commercialization.
• Strong knowledge of food ingredient functionality, formulation development, and manufacturing processes.
• Working knowledge of FDA regulations, HACCP, GMPs, labeling requirements, and food safety standards.
• Strong project management, organizational, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high-quality standards.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required. Team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as business needs evolve.
New Horizons is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected classification under applicable law.

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