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Director Food Research Development Jobs in California

mybakemark

02701A - Manager, R&D

Fresno, CA

The Manager, Research & Development (R&D) is responsible for leading product innovation ... Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, labeling standards, and industry guidelines.

Del Taco

R&D Chef

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake Forest, CA Test Kitchen SALARY RANGE ... Practical operational capabilities must include: food costing and related financial skills ...

Del Taco, LLC

R&D Chef

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake Forest, CA Test Kitchen SALARY RANGE ... Practical operational capabilities must include: food costing and related financial skills ...

mybakemark

02701A - Manager, R&D

Fresno, CA

The Manager, Research & Development (R&D) is responsible for leading product innovation ... Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, labeling standards, and industry guidelines.

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All JobsFood Research Development JobsDirector Food Research Development JobsDirector Food Research Development Jobs in California

Director Food Research Development information

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 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.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Food Research Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of Food Research Development jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Food Research Development jobs in California?

For Director Food Research Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Food Research Development jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Food Research Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Director Food Research Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Director Food Research Development job openings:

Director Food Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Food Research Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, and 98% Full Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

R&D Technician

CAPITOL DISTRIBUTION COMPANY LLC

La Mirada, CA • On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Love cooking, experimenting with ingredients, and trying new foods? Turn your passion into a career!

Join our Research & Development team as an R&D Technician, where you’ll help prepare, test, taste, and evaluate food products while supporting the development of exciting new ideas. Your hands-on work and feedback could help shape the food products people enjoy tomorrow!

Position Summary

The R&D Technician supports the Research & Development team with product testing, sample preparation, ingredient management, data collection, and general test-kitchen operations. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with food, following detailed procedures, and contributing to the development and improvement of food products.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform bench tests using mixers, fryers, ovens, proofers, and other food-service or test-kitchen equipment.
  • Prepare ingredients, samples, and food products according to established formulas and testing procedures.
  • Accurately record, organize, and maintain testing data and product-development documentation.
  • Use computer programs to organize data and document whether materials meet established specifications for release or hold.
  • Maintain and organize product-retain bins, physical samples, and related paperwork.
  • Monitor laboratory inventory and replenish raw ingredients and supplies as needed.
  • Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the test kitchen, laboratory equipment, storage areas, and inventory.
  • Follow all food-safety, quality, sanitation, and Good Manufacturing Practice requirements.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Interest in food preparation, food testing, product development, or food science.
  • Previous experience in a kitchen, food-manufacturing, laboratory, quality, or R&D environment is preferred.
  • Ability to follow formulas, testing procedures, written instructions, and safety requirements.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Basic computer skills and the ability to accurately enter and organize data.
  • Ability to safely operate kitchen, laboratory, and food-service equipment.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a team.
  • Comfortable working in both office and production/laboratory settings.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. and stand for extended periods as needed.

Apply