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Director Food Research Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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.

Director (R&D)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$186K - $300K/yr

Riverside Research is seeking a senior dynamic, strategic, operational, and growth focused Director to lead a research and development team. As a key member of our Cognitive Intel Solutions (Sensors ...

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Director Food Research Development information

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$65.5K

$162.7K

$215K

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

As of Jul 3, 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.
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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:
Infographic showing various Director Food Research Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,707 per year, or $78.2 per hour.
Assistant Director of Research Development & Evaluation

Assistant Director of Research Development & Evaluation

Louisiana State University

Boyd, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated).If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page.Job Posting Title:Assistant Director of Research Development & EvaluationPosition Type:Professional / UnclassifiedDepartment:LSUAM ORED - Research Development & Evaluation (Julie Perkins (00011037))Work Location:0114 David F. Boyd HallPay Grade:ProfessionalJob Description:

The Assistant Director for Research Development & Evaluation (RD&E) will be responsible for the implementation of research-support initiatives supporting ORED's research development strategy under the direction of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for RD&E . The Assistant Director plays a central role in grant planning and submissions, research development, and strategic support for assigned areas by managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives; supporting employee coordination and professional development; and contributing to area reporting, evaluation, and operational continuity in collaboration with the AVC for RD&E.


Job Responsibilities:

Research Development: Identify opportunities and advance the strategic development of external funding aligned with assigned ORED research priorities. Oversee grant development coordination (both internal and externally contracted) and project management activities (Planning meetings, workshops, proposal development retreats) in collaboration with principal investigators and research administration partners. Serve as ORED administrative liaison to internal and external stakeholders for assigned research priorities. (60%)


Research Performance Evaluation: Develop and implement evaluation tools to track and report on assigned initiatives within the research enterprise along with the AVP for RD&E. Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for strategic research projects and ORED activities to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, customer satisfaction, and impact; Collaborate with the AVC for Finance & Business Operations to conduct annual ROI analyses for assigned initiatives and produce corresponding reports. Ensure assigned initiatives have necessary information for grant compliance and ad hoc reporting to funders, ORED and university leadership, and external stakeholders. (20%)


Talent Development: Enhance the LSU research environment by developing, designing, and conducting faculty development programs, workshops, and mentoring initiatives that enhance grant-writing skills and proposal competitiveness; Develop training content for high-impact meetings, workshops, symposia, and briefings on strategic research initiatives based on national best practices and standards to foster research team building; Participate in NORDP activities to stay abreast of national trends. (15%)


Other duties as assigned. (5%)


Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and 3 years of experience in a higher education setting.


LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply--a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.


Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree and 5 years of experience in a higher education setting; experience in pre-award and/or post-award support; Interfacing with state, federal, or industry sponsors; Development of financial reports.

Additional Job Description:Special Instructions:Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references including name, title, phone number, and e-mail address.
Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.
A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring (if applicable).
Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with University Policy as required and RS:17 screenings (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1297548).
For questions or concerns about updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu.
For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Julie Perkins at jperkbr@lsu.edu.Posting Date:June 4, 2026Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):October 2, 2026Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university's ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.