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Director Food Research Development Jobs in Florida

From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and ... The Food Service Operations Director troubleshoots underperforming facilities resolving food ...

From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and ... The Food Service Operations Director troubleshoots underperforming facilities resolving food ...

From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and ... The Food Service Operations Director troubleshoots underperforming facilities resolving food ...

From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and ... The Food Service Operations Director troubleshoots underperforming facilities resolving food ...

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or a related field. * Experience: A minimum of 7 years in a formulation and/or R&D role within an FDA-regulated industry (nutraceutical ...

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Director Food Research Development information

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Research Development jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Food Research Development jobs in Florida are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Food Research Development jobs in Florida? For Director Food Research Development jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Food Research Development jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Director Food Research Development jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Director Food Research Development jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Director Food Research Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Food Research Development job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Research & Development Manager Flavor Applications

Hunter the Head Hunter

Tampa, FL

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Our client is a well-established and highly respected international flavor manufacturer seeking an experienced Research & Development Manager to lead its R&D team in the Tampa, Florida area.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for an individual who is passionate about flavor innovation, enjoys working directly with customers and commercial teams, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where creativity and technical expertise come together. The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team of four flavor scientists while driving new product development, customer solutions, and strategic innovation initiatives.

Responsibilities
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of four flavor scientists with diverse technical backgrounds.
  • Drive innovation through the development of new flavor concepts and applications aligned with emerging market trends.
  • Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, and customers to create customized flavor solutions.
  • Manage multiple customer-driven development projects from concept through commercialization.
  • Serve as the technical leader during customer meetings, presentations, and product demonstrations.
  • Provide technical oversight for flavor applications, product development, and innovation initiatives across multiple food and beverage categories.
  • Evaluate new ingredients, technologies, and processing methods to improve product performance and expand capabilities.
  • Prioritize departmental workload, allocate resources, and ensure projects are completed on schedule.
  • Foster a collaborative, creative, and high-performing R&D culture focused on continuous improvement.
  • Work cross-functionally with Regulatory, Quality, Operations, and Commercial teams to successfully launch new products.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline (Master's degree preferred).
  • 7+ years of food or beverage product development and flavor applications experience within the flavor, ingredient, or food manufacturing industries.
  • Previous experience managing or leading technical teams.
  • Strong background in customer-facing flavor applications and product development.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and project management skills.
  • Passion for innovation and developing creative solutions that help customers succeed.
Preferred Experience
  • Experience working for a flavor house or ingredient manufacturer.
  • Expertise in sweet and/or savory flavor systems.
  • Strong understanding of food processing, ingredient functionality, and commercialization.
  • Proven ability to translate customer needs into commercially successful products.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
  • Lead a multidisciplinary R&D team and play a key role in shaping the organization's innovation strategy.
  • Make a direct impact on new product development and customer success.
  • Join a collaborative organization that values technical expertise, creativity, and continuous improvement.
  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.
  • Opportunity to work in the Tampa, Florida area, one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

If you're an innovative R&D leader with a strong flavor applications background and a passion for leading technical teams, we'd love to speak with you about this opportunity.