ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Food Research Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Express Employment Professionals

Be Seen First

Food Lab Technician

Union, NJ · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

... its Research & Development department. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with laboratory experience in the food industry who enjoys hands-on work, product testing, and developing ...

Yum! Brands

Research & Development Chef

Plano, TX · On-site

Develops operational procedures and specifications for new products which yield a food safe and ... Experience 5+ years R&D/technical experience. Successful leading projects with minimal coaching.

O Positiv

Research & Development Manager

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

The Research & Development Manager will report to the Director of Product Development and will work ... Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.), Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science or related field ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

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 Jun 7, 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.
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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,707 per year, or $78.2 per hour.
Food Lab Technician

Food Lab Technician

Express Employment Professionals

Union, NJ • On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Food Science Lab Technician

Location: Union, NJ

Pay Rate: Starting at $23.00 per hour

A growing food manufacturing company in Union, NJ is seeking a Food Science Lab Technician to support product development, testing, and quality initiatives within its Research & Development department. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with laboratory experience in the food industry who enjoys hands-on work, product testing, and developing innovative food products.

The ideal candidate will have experience working in a food laboratory, food manufacturing environment, or product development setting and possess a strong attention to detail when handling ingredients, documenting results, and supporting new product development projects.

Responsibilities

  • Accurately weigh, measure, blend, and test food ingredients and seasoning formulations

  • Conduct laboratory and bench-top trials to support new product development

  • Evaluate product performance, flavor profiles, and quality characteristics

  • Maintain detailed records of formulations, testing results, and product specifications

  • Assist with scaling products from development through commercialization

  • Perform routine quality checks and support continuous improvement initiatives

  • Operate, maintain, and clean laboratory equipment used in food testing and ingredient blending

  • Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Production, Sales, and Marketing teams on product launches

  • Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and quality standards

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient laboratory environment

Qualifications

  • Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience within the food manufacturing, food science, quality assurance, or product development industry

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field preferred

  • Experience conducting product testing, ingredient evaluation, or food formulation activities

  • Strong attention to detail and documentation skills

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word

  • Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment

  • Strong communication and teamwork skills

  • Bilingual Spanish is a plus but not required

Preferred Experience

  • Food Product Development

  • Seasoning or Flavor Development

  • Food Quality Control

  • Ingredient Testing

  • Food Manufacturing

  • Research & Development

  • Food Laboratory Operations

  • HACCP, GMP, or Food Safety Programs

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • 401(k)

  • Paid Holidays

  • Paid Time Off

  • Life Insurance

  • Career Growth Opportunities

  • Stable Full-Time Opportunity

Apply Today

If you have experience working in a food laboratory or food manufacturing environment and are looking to grow your career in food science, product development, and quality assurance, we encourage you to apply.

Keywords: Food Science Technician, Food Lab Technician, Food Quality Technician, Product Development Technician, Food R&D Technician, Food Manufacturing, Flavor Development, Seasoning Development, Quality Control Technician, Food Testing, Food Science Jobs, Laboratory Technician, Food Industry Careers.

Express Employment Professionals logo

About Express Employment Professionals

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Express Employment Professionals, based in Oklahoma City, OK, USA, operates in the staffing industry and is renowned for providing robust and reliable staffing solutions. Their official website - expresspros.com - details their variety of services, which include temporary and full-time staffing, human resources services, and professional search. The company was established in 1983 with the aim of helping as many people as possible to find good jobs, and since then, it has grown exponentially, expanding its reach to various domains within the job market.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Oklahoma City, OK, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Express Employment Professionals Jobs