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Director Product Development Food Beverage Jobs

As a premier global food provider, the OSI Group partners with the world's leading foodservice and ... This role is responsible for directing the activity of the corporate Product Development department ...

Ensure that departmental decisions and project plans such as those for staffing, development ... Monitor quality of product in Food & Beverage and Purchasing departments. * Assist in menu planning ...

... productivity, and overall financial performance. * Lead cost-containment initiatives while ... Team Development & Human Resources * Recruit, train, develop, and retain a highly engaged food and ...

... productivity, and overall financial performance. * Lead cost-containment initiatives while ... Team Development & Human Resources * Recruit, train, develop, and retain a highly engaged food and ...

... menu development, payroll management, à la carte and event execution, and sales and marketing ... Partner with the management team to plan and sustain high-quality menus and products that are ...

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Director Product Development Food Beverage information

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$73K

$163.7K

$244.5K

How much do director product development food beverage jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for director product development food beverage in the United States is $163,684.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,500.00 and $185,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of product development in food and beverage do?

A Director of Product Development in Food & Beverage leads the creation and improvement of food and drink products, overseeing the process from concept to launch. They manage teams of food scientists, chefs, and marketers to ensure that new products meet consumer needs, regulatory standards, and company goals. This role often involves market research, cost management, and collaboration with suppliers and manufacturing teams. Ultimately, their goal is to innovate and deliver successful products that drive business growth.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of product development in food and beverage?

Directors of Product Development in food and beverage often face challenges balancing innovation with regulatory compliance, managing cross-functional teams, and responding quickly to changing consumer trends. They must ensure products are not only creative and appealing but also meet strict safety and labeling standards. Additionally, coordinating with marketing, supply chain, and quality assurance teams while staying on budget and schedule can be demanding. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong leadership, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both the market and regulatory landscape.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of product development in food and beverage?

To thrive as a Director of Product Development in Food and Beverage, you need expertise in food science, product innovation, regulatory compliance, and a relevant degree such as food technology or culinary science. Familiarity with R&D software, sensory evaluation tools, project management systems, and certifications like HACCP or SQF is typically required. Strong leadership, creative problem-solving, and effective cross-functional communication are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure the development of innovative, safe, and market-ready products that align with business goals and regulatory standards.

What are popular job titles related to Director Product Development Food Beverage jobs?

For Director Product Development Food Beverage jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Director Product Development Food Beverage job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,684 per year, or $78.7 per hour.

Director Product Development - Kettle

Aurora, IL • On-site

OSI Group
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$158K - $237K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


OSI Group rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

As a premier global food provider, the OSI Group partners with the world’s leading foodservice and retail food brands to provide concept-to-table solutions that delight consumers around the globe. Join us and discover a work experience where diverse ideas are met with enthusiasm, and where you can learn and grow to your full potential. We’re looking for individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and who enjoy working as a team to deliver unparalleled service and solutions to our customers. This role is responsible for directing the activity of the corporate Product Development department in support of organization objectives. This position will work closely with cross functional partners to identify and prioritize projects that include planning, developing, and executing projects. This position will assist in developing and building leadership talent and capability within R&D.Job Responsibilities Lead and oversee the product development team in a dynamic a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Leverage technical knowledge of product development and commercialization process with a strong drive for results and flawless execution. Align with leadership business objectives and collaborate with cross function teams to execute product development plans and deliver results, Evaluate, prioritize, and schedule projects; assign to Project Managers based on complexity, priority, and project loads. Establish project objectives and work with Project Managers to identify obstacles, risk, solutions and to establish timelines. Monitor project process and provide support and guidance for formulation, testing and scaling up in production. Support sales team to create new business opportunities. Responsible for making initial customer contact during project start-up. Guide the highest level of R&D discipline. Create and apply well defined test plans for potential new technology and equipment, evaluate results, document and make recommendations. Apply the same R&D discipline to trouble shoot and root cause analysis to address product performance issues. Strive to develop the least product cost.Identify and execute cost saving opportunities. Source, outline tests and recommend ingredients for flavor and functionality. Acts as internal and external consultant for product development expertise. Facilitate creativity to product and process development, as well as protecting intellectual property. Establish and maintain vendor relationships. May serve as Project Manager for more complex or critical projects. This role has the responsibility to understand and place in practice appropriate safety procedures.This responsibility is achieved through education, training, use of protective equipment (as applicable) and by following safety policies, regulations, standards, and laws. Identify the technical gap in the R&D and assist in developing the solutions. Develop department talent by coaching team members, developing individual development plan and providing timely performance feedback, Perform other duties as assigned. Experience & Skills 10+ years of experience in related field is preferred. Deep knowledge of product life cycle and commercialization process. Proven track record in developing and launching new products. Excellent proficiency in all Microsoft Office Suite Products. Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate team members to achieve goals and deliver results. Knowledge of production equipment and applicable uses. As well as ingredient functionality and usage. Strong analytical skills and problem-solving capability with a keen attention to detail. Thorough knowledge of USDA and FDA requirements and impact on product development and production. Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and to manage multiple ongoing project obligations simultaneously. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with the cross-function teams and senior leadership teams effectively. Education MA/MS/MBA or equivalent is preferred. Meat Science, Dairy Science, Animal Science or Food Science. Compensation & Benefits The salary range posted represents the low and high end of OSI’s salary range for this position. The salary range for this role is $158,208.00to$237,312.00USD, with a midpoint of $197,760. Offers are typically made between the minimum and midpoint of the range, based on skills, experience, and internal equity. In rare cases, highly qualified candidates may receive an offer above the midpoint; however, offers at the maximum of the range are not customary. Salaries will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to, location, education, skills, experience and performance. Base salary is one component of OSI’s overall total rewards package. Other components may include bonuses, special pay programs, comprehensive time off, 401k with match and a full suite of benefit offerings for you and your family.Work Environment Work is generally performed within a business professional office environment, with standard office equipment available. Work conditions are typical of a food manufacturing facility. This role requires 30% domestic travel. Position may require the physical agility of lifting up to 50 pounds Position may require frequent and/or infrequent bending, squatting, pushing, pulling, stretching/reaching, use hands or fingers, talk, hear, feel objects, tools, controls, and standing/walking on concrete flooring. Position may require the physical ability to stand/walk for Greater than 4 hours. Will be exposed to the touch, feel, and taste of beef, poultry, turkey, dairy, fish, and the standard allergens (milk, egg, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, wheat, and soy) .

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