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Director Food Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pictsweet Company

Food Scientist

Bells, TN

Reporting to the Director of Innovation, the Food Scientist will play a crucial role in the development and commercialization of innovative and high-quality food products. The Food Scientist will ...

The Pictsweet Company

Food Scientist

Bells, TN

Reporting to the Director of Innovation, the Food Scientist will play a crucial role in the development and commercialization of innovative and high-quality food products. The Food Scientist will ...

The Pictsweet Company

Food Scientist

Bells, TN · On-site

Reporting to the Director of Innovation, the Food Scientist will play a crucial role in the development and commercialization of innovative and high-quality food products. The Food Scientist will ...

Kelly Services

Food Scientist

Aurora, CO

$70K - $90K/yr

Kelly Science & Clinical ® is looking for a Food Scientist for a Direct Hire opportunity at leading organization in Aurora, CO . Let us help you grow at work and discover the next step in your ...

Kelly Services

Food Scientist

Aurora, CO

$70K - $90K/yr

Kelly Science & Clinical ® is looking for a Food Scientist for a Direct Hire opportunity at leading organization in Aurora, CO . Let us help you grow at work and discover the next step in your ...

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Food Scientist

Appleton, WI

$69K - $93K/yr

Food Scientist Position Type: Regular - Full-Time Grade: Grade 04 Requisition ID: 42750 In every ... This role reports to the R&DNA SnackingInnovation Director, working within the North ...

Butterball

Food Scientist

Garner, NC · On-site

Supports continuous improvement opportunities and solutions directed at improving profitability ... Minimum bachelor's degree in food science/related field or equivalent * 3+ years of relevant ...

Stefanini

Food Scientist

Glenview, IL

... trials to achieve above Direct interface w/ Business, Operations and Quality partners on ... A Food Science degree or Masters with 6-10 years' experience. Product development experience Degree ...

McCain Foods Limited

Food Scientist

Appleton, WI · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

Food Scientist Position Type: Regular - Full-Time Requisition ID: 42750 In every role, McCainers ... This role reports to the R&D NA Snacking Innovation Director, working within the North American ...

McCain Foods

Food Scientist

Appleton, WI

$69K - $93K/yr

This role reports to the R&D NA Snacking Innovation Director, working within the North American ... Sc. in Food Science or related field Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational skills ...

Butterball

Food Scientist

Garner, NC · On-site

Supports continuous improvement opportunities and solutions directed at improving profitability ... Minimum bachelor's degree in food science/related field or equivalent * 3+ years of relevant ...

Stefanini

Food Scientist

East Hanover, NJ

The job holder interacts regularly with key stakeholders and may direct activities of junior professionals and/or temporary staff while completing assignments. Qualifications BS in Food Science and ...

Palermo's Pizza

Pizza Food Scientist

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

PIZZA FOOD SCIENTIST Are you passionate about food innovation, bakery science, and bringing new ... This role is fully onsite at our Canal Street location, giving you direct exposure to hands-on ...

System One

Food Scientist I

Tinton Falls, NJ · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Direct Hire Compensation: $65,000 - $70,000 Hours: 8:30 AM - 5 PM Responsibilities * Conduct research and product development activities in the food and pet food industry. * Bring key skills and ...

System One

Food Scientist I

Tinton Falls, NJ · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Direct Hire Compensation: $65,000 - $70,000 Hours: 8:30 AM - 5 PM Responsibilities * Conduct research and product development activities in the food and pet food industry. * Bring key skills and ...

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Director Food Scientist information

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How much do director food scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for director food scientist in the United States is $90,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director Food Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Food Scientist, you need advanced knowledge in food science, product development, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a master's or PhD in food science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, food safety management systems (like HACCP), and industry-specific software is essential. Strategic thinking, leadership, and effective communication are standout soft skills for managing cross-functional teams and driving innovation. These skills ensure product quality, regulatory adherence, and competitive advantage in the food industry.

What is the difference between Director Food Scientist vs Food Scientist?

AspectDirector Food ScientistFood Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science, often with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Food Science or related field
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in R&D, product development, and managementResearch labs, product testing, and development teams
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing companies, large food corporationsFood companies, research institutions, regulatory agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership and strategic rolesFocused on technical research and product formulation

The main difference between a Director Food Scientist and a Food Scientist lies in their responsibilities and seniority. The Director Food Scientist typically oversees teams, manages projects, and sets strategic goals, while the Food Scientist focuses on research, product development, and technical tasks. Both roles require a strong background in food science, but the director position involves more leadership and management duties.

What does a Director Food Scientist do?

A Director Food Scientist leads research and development teams in creating and improving food products, ensuring they meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards. They oversee the entire product development process, from concept to commercialization, and collaborate with cross-functional teams such as marketing, production, and quality assurance. In this role, they also stay informed about food industry trends, manage budgets, and guide strategic innovation within their organization.

How does a Director Food Scientist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product innovation?

A Director Food Scientist regularly works with cross-functional teams such as marketing, regulatory, quality assurance, and manufacturing to bring new food products from concept to launch. This collaboration ensures that scientific developments align with market trends, comply with regulations, and can be efficiently scaled for production. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as the Director often leads meetings, sets timelines, and integrates feedback from various stakeholders to refine formulations and processes.
More about Director Food Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Food Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Director Food Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Food Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Director Food Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Food Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Food Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Food Scientist jobs are:
Director Food Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Food Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,961 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Food Scientist

Food Scientist

The Pictsweet Company

Bells, TN

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Pictsweet rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 397 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

The Pictsweet Company is recruiting for a Food Scientist to join our Innovation Center of Excellence at the company headquarters in Bells, TN.  Reporting to the Director of Innovation, the Food Scientist will play a crucial role in the development and commercialization of innovative and high-quality food products.  The Food Scientist will work closely with cross-functional teams including Operations, Engineering, Marketing, FSQA and Sales.  The Innovation Team is the creative center of what we do at The Pictsweet Company, and as such, the Food Scientist will be charged with not only maintaining knowledge of innovative industry trends but also embracing the rich culture and history of our distinctive brand.


  • Develop new items from concept through to commercialization; continuously monitor product throughout its lifecycle
  • Reformulate/evaluate existing items for continuous improvement and market relevance
  • Solve technical problems in product formulation, processing and packaging
  • Conduct sensory evaluations of products and translate testing outcomes into actionable next steps for product success
  • Develop and maintain accurate and organized product documentation throughout the product lifecycle; including but not limited to internal product specifications, FDA labeling requirements, supplier specifications, food cost and associated databases
  • Monitor industry trends to grow a portfolio of products ideas
  • Other related duties, as required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field from an accredited college/university
  • Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist preferred
  • Product Development experience for Food Manufacturing required; 3 years minimum
  • Culinary experience in a restaurant kitchen or related experience; 2 years minimum
  • Strong knowledge of food product development, product commercialization, sensory science and testing methodologies
  • Batter/breading and or fried food manufacturing experience desirable
  • Strong grasp of food trends, techniques, innovations and menu development
  • Must possess an intense passion for food
  • Demonstrated project management skills with ability to self-motivate and work well under strict timelines
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills
  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills
  • Ability to taste and smell flavor profiles and food products
  • Must be able to work in a freezer environment
  • Required to stand/walk, bend, stoop, kneel and reach
  • Ability to lift/push/carry items up to 50 pounds
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office

The Pictsweet Company is an equal opportunity employer.  M/F/V/H

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