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Food Product Development Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Product Development Lead- Food Service

Brecksville, OH · On-site

$108K - $135K/yr

Product Development Lead- Food Service Agrana Fruit is a global leader in delivering healthy and delicious food solutions across categories including frozen and refrigerated dairy, bakery, coffee ...

Strong knowledge of frozen food product development, including trend, regulatory, formulation, scale-up, manufacturing, bench-top testing, and plant trials. Proven ability to analyze data, solve ...

Principal Food Scientist

Gahanna, OH · On-site

$107K - $178K/yr

... products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together. We are seeking a Principal Food Scientist to join our R&D team at our Asian Food Facility in ...

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Food Product Development information

See Ohio salary details

$40.4K

$120.7K

$137.4K

How much do food product development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for food product development in Ohio is $120,727.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,900.00 and $135,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food product development?

A Food Product Development job involves creating new food products or improving existing ones by experimenting with ingredients, formulations, and processing techniques. Professionals in this field work closely with food scientists, marketers, and manufacturers to ensure products meet consumer preferences, regulatory standards, and cost requirements. They conduct research, test recipes, and oversee production trials to bring safe, high-quality, and marketable food items to store shelves.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in food product development?

Food Product Development professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing taste, nutrition, cost, and shelf-life while adhering to strict food safety and regulatory standards. They may need to quickly adapt to changing consumer preferences and troubleshoot issues that arise during product testing or manufacturing scale-up. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as marketing, quality assurance, and supply chain, is key to overcoming these obstacles and launching successful products. This dynamic environment requires flexibility and a continual willingness to learn and innovate.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food product development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Product Development, you need expertise in food science, sensory evaluation, and recipe formulation, typically backed by a degree in food science, nutrition, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food safety regulations, and product lifecycle management software is often required. Strong project management, creativity, and teamwork skills help individuals excel in this role. These abilities are essential because they ensure products are innovative, safe, and compliant while meeting consumer demands and business objectives.

How to get into food product development?

To enter food product development, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in food science, culinary arts, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in food manufacturing or research helps develop relevant skills such as product formulation, sensory evaluation, and knowledge of food safety standards. Proficiency with product development tools and strong teamwork are also valuable for success in this field.

What do you do as a food product developer?

A food product developer designs, tests, and refines new food products to meet consumer preferences and safety standards. They conduct research, create prototypes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams using tools like sensory analysis and food science techniques to bring products from concept to market.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Product Development jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Food Product Development jobs in Ohio are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Product Development jobs in Ohio?

For Food Product Development jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Product Development jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Product Development jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Food Product Development jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Food Product Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Product Development job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,727 per year, or $58 per hour.

Director, Product Development (Food)

Sodexo

Cleveland, OH

$115K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

348th of 495 rated business services


Job description

Sodexo is seeking System Culinary Director to lead culinary excellence across University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Will also develop innovative food concepts, conduct live cooking demonstrations and interactive culinary experiences

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driver’s license record check is required.

About the job

This role is designed for a creative, detail-oriented food innovator who blends culinary expertise with strategic product planning. You’ll lead the development of cutting-edge recipes and offerings, manage a diverse product portfolio, and collaborate with clients to bring bold, on-trend food solutions to life.


Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.

Pay Range: $115940 per year - $140040 per year

Incentive Eligibility: Eligible to participate in Sodexo's incentive plan and earn variable compensation in addition to base salary

What’s in it for you

  • Drive culinary innovation by leading new recipe and product development across multiple food brands.
  • Collaborate directly with clients to tailor offerings that align with their brand, goals, and audience preferences.
  • Oversee testing, implementation, and training processes to ensure seamless rollout of new food programs.
  • Play a key role in shaping consumer experiences by managing a portfolio of flavorful, scalable, and cost-effective products.
  • Be part of community-focused initiatives that bring food innovation beyond the kitchen.
  • Gain visibility by working cross-functionally with culinary, retail, and strategic leadership teams.
  • Join a company that values food creativity, operational excellence, and purpose- driven innovation.


What you’ll bring 

  • Culinary expertise and a passion for food innovation, with experience developing scalable, trend-forward recipes and products.
  • Project planning and time management skills to lead multiple initiatives from concept to launch across diverse client segments.
  • Excellent communication and client-facing abilities, with a talent for translating culinary vision into compelling, brand-aligned solutions.
  • Financial acumen to manage budgets, ensure cost-effective product development, and align with profitability goals.
  • Agility and resilience in fast-paced environments, with the skills to adapt to shifting priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes consistently.


Requirements

  • Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
  • Management Experience: 5 years
  • Related Experience: 5 years


What we offer 

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include: 

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs 

  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions 

  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays 

  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement 

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Who we are 

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. 

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form. 


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