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Vice President, Research & Development

Bellisio Foods

The Vice President of Research & Development (R&D) provides strategic leadership for all innovation, product development, and commercialization initiatives across Bellisio Foods. As one of the nation’s leading frozen food manufacturers, producing over two million meals daily across a portfolio of branded, licensed, and private label products, this role is critical to driving growth through innovation, quality, and speed to market.

This executive will lead the development of new products, enhance existing offerings, and identify emerging technologies and consumer trends to strengthen Bellisio’s competitive position in retail, foodservice, and co-manufacturing channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the enterprise-wide R&D and innovation strategy, aligning with Bellisio Foods’ growth objectives and brand portfolio (e.g., Michelina’s, Boston Market, Atkins, private label, and co-manufacturing partners).
• Lead the identification, development, and commercialization of new product concepts, ingredients, and technologies that meet evolving consumer preferences and retailer needs.
• Oversee the end-to-end product lifecycle from concept through commercialization, ensuring scalability, quality, and cost efficiency across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Drive innovation across branded, licensed, and private label products, supporting both retail and foodservice customers.
• Evaluate and prioritize product pipelines and strategic line extensions to achieve revenue growth and market share targets.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Sales to ensure seamless product launches and execution.
• Establish best-in-class R&D processes, including stage-gate development, project tracking, and reporting of progress, expenditures, and outcomes.
• Lead and develop a high-performing R&D organization, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage and optimize the R&D budget to ensure effective allocation of resources and return on investment.
• Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and emerging technologies; translate insights into actionable innovation strategies.
• Build and maintain strong external partnerships with suppliers, co-manufacturers, culinary centers, and research institutions (including collaboration with Bellisio’s Fusion Culinary Center).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep expertise in food industry R&D, including frozen foods, product development, commercialization, and scale-up.
• Strong understanding of branded, licensed, and private label product development models.
• Proven ability to lead both short-term and long-term (3–5 year) innovation and product strategies.
• Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing, cross-functional teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to contribute at the executive leadership level.
• Exceptional analytical and conceptual thinking skills with the ability to translate insights into market-ready products.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience influencing senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Ability to operate effectively within a global organization (Bellisio is part of CP Foods, a global food leader).
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and execution.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive R&D experience within the food or consumer packaged goods industry.
• At least 10 years of leadership experience, with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams.
• Experience in frozen food or prepared meals strongly preferred.

Bellisio Foods is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran, or disability status.

Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.