Director of Food Science

This position is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company. We are currently looking for a Director of Food Science in United States.

As the Director of Food Science, you will lead the technical strategy and execution of product innovation, renovation, and commercialization for a portfolio of fresh and frozen food products. This role oversees the full product lifecycle—from concept development to scale-up and post-launch optimization—while driving excellence in formulation, food safety, and processing innovation. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams including Operations, QA, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Nutrition to ensure products meet high standards of quality, regulatory compliance, and consumer satisfaction. The position provides the opportunity to lead complex projects, mentor a team of scientists, and stay at the forefront of emerging technologies in the food industry. You will help shape the direction of R&D initiatives and influence strategic decisions that impact growth, efficiency, and innovation across the product portfolio.

• Lead large-scale R&D projects from ideation to commercialization, managing timelines, resources, and cross-functional alignment.
• Drive product portfolio prioritization, innovation, renovation, and productivity initiatives to meet quality, growth, and margin objectives.
• Develop and oversee technical project plans, risk assessments, and commercialization readiness reviews.
• Lead formulation development for new and existing products, ensuring nutritional, sensory, and manufacturability standards are met.
• Partner with Nutrition and Operations teams to translate formulations into scalable, AAFCO-compliant products.
• Oversee prototype development, plant trials, and validation activities to ensure successful product scale-up and launch.
• Develop and implement R&D technology roadmaps, including new ingredients, processing techniques, and packaging innovations.
• Ensure compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements, including AAFCO, FDA, and HACCP.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of scientists, fostering collaboration, curiosity, and technical excellence.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Animal Nutrition, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline required; Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
• 8–10+ years of progressive experience in food R&D, product development, or process engineering, with experience in fresh or frozen food systems.
• Proven success leading complex, cross-functional innovation and commercialization projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong technical understanding of ingredient functionality, formulation principles, thermal and non-thermal processing, and food safety systems.
• Experience collaborating with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to efficiently bring products to market.
• Excellent project management, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to influence across all organizational levels.
• Passion for pets and alignment with the mission of improving animal health through real, fresh food.

• Competitive salary range ($150,000–$170,000 annually)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off including vacation, personal days, and holidays
• Retirement savings options with employer contributions
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Flexible remote work with preference for certain regions (Orange County, CA or Chicago, IL), open to nationwide candidates
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Why Apply Through Jobgether?

We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!

Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.

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