ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Food Research Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crumbl

Research & Development Chef

Provo, UT · On-site

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 ...

Crumbl

Research & Development Chef

Provo, UT · On-site

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 ...

Pump Dynamics

IL · On-site

The Director of Research & Development will provide strategic and hands-on leadership for product ... The ideal candidate combines a strong foundation in food and meat science with practical ...

GDH

Director of Research & Development

Rogers, AR · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Role Summary This position oversees research and development activities related to food ingredients, formulations, and product innovations. It involves leading new product development, process ...

Tempus

Senior Director, Research & Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$173K - $245K/yr

Senior Director, Research & Development Passionate about advancing precision diagnostics and regulated assay development? Tempus is seeking a Senior Director, Research & Development to lead late ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsFood Research Development JobsDirector Food Research Development Jobs

Director Food Research Development information

See salary details

$65.5K

$162.7K

$215K

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

As of Sep 1, 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 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.

More about Director Food Research Development jobs

What cities are hiring for Director Food Research Development jobs?

Cities with the most Director Food Research Development job openings:

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

The most popular types of Food Research Development jobs are:

What states have the most Director Food Research Development jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Food Research Development jobs include:

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

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

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 2% Internship, and 98% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,707 per year, or $78.2 per hour.

Research & Development Chef

Crumbl

Provo, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Under the direction of the Director of Research & Development the R&D Chef will execute daily tasks meant to elevate current recipes or bring new concepts to life as well as any projects needed to uphold Crumbl’s efforts to produce the best desserts in the World. 
 
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Ability to hear the description of a new idea or receive a brief of a concept and can execute the project to create an accurate recipe. 
  • Responsible for helping the Director of Research & Development with special projects. Special Projects will require knowledge and execution of both baking cookie and dessert recipes.
  • Execute recipes that adhere to the Crumbl Standards and are based on the priority of the dessert Calendar as directed by R&D leaders.
  • Document and note all developments, projects, and recipes to report to the manager of Research & Development, Director of R&D, and other leaders in appropriate internal communication tools.
  • Assists testing team and product management team to ensure quality execution of dessert recipes for assessment and testing.
  • Ability to simultaneously follow a recipe and be organized with notes on changes. 
  • Write new recipes with weight, processes, and insights as recipes are being developed.
  • Cleaning, organization, and maintenance of the Test Kitchen alongside other bakers.
  • Ability to pivot and take constructive criticism.
Qualifications
  • Minimum 2 years experience in a fast-paced, creative, professional culinary setting. 
  • A comprehensive understanding of cookies/pastry is required. 
  • Formal culinary degree/education is required
  • An understanding of general food science
  • Exemplary decorating skills and attention to detail when it comes to quality standards
  • Utah Food Handlers Permit will be needed and we can help with the process if you don't have a UT permit.
  • Excellent communication skills; written and verbal
  • Highly organized and self-motivated
  • Time management skills 
  • Demonstrated ability to create structure and prioritize work
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, results-oriented culture
  • Flexible and adaptable; able to work and thrive in ambiguity
  • Team player

Benefits & Perks

- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 15 days PTO/year
- 10 paid holidays
- Paid parental leave
- Personal phone bill reimbursement
- Gym reimbursement
- Corporate DoorDash® DashPass membership
- Regular company and team activities
- 401k with competitive matching contribution plan
- Excellent opportunities for career growth
- Work in a hyper-growth company

Crumbl was founded in 2017 by Jason McGowan & Sawyer Hemsley in Logan, Utah. It is now the fastest-growing cookie company in the nation with over 1000 locations in the USA and Canada. Crumbl is powered by cutting-edge technology, iconic branding, delicious desserts, and passionate people.

Crumbl HQ and franchisees provide employment for over 26,000 people across the United States, and all of our franchises are owned and operated by independent members of the local community.

Crumbl’s 200+ unique cookie flavors rotate weekly and are served in our famous pink box! 

Crumbl is an equal opportunity employer. Crumbl provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status or veteran status.

Recruitment Agencies: Crumbl HQ doesn't typically partner with 3rd party recruitment resources. If we require assistance on this search we will contact selected partners directly; we do not accept unsolicited candidate submissions.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.