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Director Food Research Development Jobs in Wisconsin

Grande Cheese

Research & Development Intern

Fond Du Lac, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Research & Development Intern The Custom Ingredients Group team is seeking a Research & Development ... food manufacturing partners in delivering specialty whey ingredient solutions, our commitment to ...

Grande

Research & Development Intern

Fond Du Lac, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

You will also be assigned unique R&D projects, allowing you to take ownership of research ... food manufacturing partners in delivering specialty whey ingredient solutions, our commitment to ...

Grande

Research & Development Intern

Fond Du Lac, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

You will also be assigned unique R&D projects, allowing you to take ownership of research ... food manufacturing partners in delivering specialty whey ingredient solutions, our commitment to ...

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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 Wisconsin?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cities in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Research & Development Food Scientist

Monroe, WI • On-site

Colony Brands, Inc.
1 - 5K employees

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks

Respectful managers

Learn more about Colony Brands, Inc.external

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description


Colony Brands, Inc. is one of the world's largest and most successful direct marketing catalog and e-commerce companies. Our company has grown from a premier mail-order cheese company to include a diverse portfolio of affiliates, brands and products ranging from apparel to kitchen appliances, while maintaining our roots as a private, customer-centric business.
As a Research and Development Scientist, you'll join in brainstorming exercises for innovation and newness to refresh products &/or improve product lines and ultimately be responsible for developing new products within the manufacturing areas of the Food Division.
What You'll Do:
This role will be responsible for bakery and cheese spread product development including, but not limited to: pastries/baked goods, confections/candy, pies/cheesecakes, sweet breads, fudge, toffee, cakes and butter cremes, cookies, fruitcake, and a variety of highly decorated applications. This position will actively participate in formulations, recipe changes/improvements, commercialization, line trials, experimental design, ingredient/inventory evaluations, and sensory/organoleptic testing.
You'll also be responsible for:
• Using creativity and scientific methods in developing recipes
• Aiding the pricing team to determine NPD labor costs
• Confirming the plant has the appropriate equipment and capability to make designed items
• Ensuring all products are developed using food safety principles and regulatory requirements
• Commercializing products into the plant to ensure flawless execution of new items
• Completing formal quoting and costs analyses
• Monitoring deadlines and ensuring they are being met with process flow through PLEX
Qualifications
What It Takes:
We need a self-motivated individual who can work independently while following appropriate procedures with a high attention to detail. In addition, we're seeking a team member that is collaborative and a problem solver to ensure we are delivering great products to our customers.
It also takes:
• A bachelor's degree in Food Science or related area
• 3+ years' experience with product development cycle, research methods, analytical equipment and experimental design
• Exceptional teamwork and diplomacy skills
• Experimental design using scientific methodology
• Strong organizational skills
About Us
Welcome to Colony Brands! As one of North America's largest multi-channel, direct-marketing companies, we take pride in our diverse portfolio of affiliates, brands, and products. Despite our growth over the last century, we remain true to our roots as a private, customer-focused business based in Monroe, WI. Stability is just one aspect of our culture. What truly defines us is our commitment to our Core Values, fostering employee growth, and creating a better place to live and work. We are dedicated to supporting the communities we serve and offer a wide range of benefits and programs to enhance the well-being of our employees.
Benefits Details
Colony Brands is not just about growing our profits - We are about giving our employees the opportunity for growth and providing a better place to live and work. We also offer our employees many great rewards in addition to monetary compensation:
  • Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
  • A robust Wellness Program including Onsite Healthcare
  • Superb Retirement Plans (401K & a company-funded Pension Plan)
  • Extensive Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits
  • Seven 4-day work weeks in the summer months to give our employees additional time off
  • Educational Assistance
  • Company Profit-Sharing
  • Company Product Discounts
  • And, so MANY more!

    • What Colony Brands employees say

    Pay

    Benefits

    Hours and flexibility

    Workplace

    Get the full story on Breakroom

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