Director of Research Development

The Director of Research & Development will provide strategic and hands-on leadership for product and process development across a diverse portfolio of protein products. The role will focus on innovation within fresh, raw, and prepared protein categories, including whole-muscle, ground, and controlled-temperature cooked applications.

This leader will oversee product development from early-stage concept and formulation through plant validation and commercial launch. The ideal candidate combines a strong foundation in food and meat science with practical manufacturing experience and a demonstrated ability to translate product concepts into scalable, high-quality commercial solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct new product development across fresh, raw, and prepared protein categories, including ground, whole-muscle, and fully cooked applications
• Develop and refine formulations and manufacturing processes to achieve product quality, yield, shelf-life, performance, and cost objectives
• Plan and execute laboratory, pilot-scale, and production-scale trials to evaluate product concepts and confirm manufacturing feasibility
• Evaluate processing technologies and work with external equipment and technical partners to identify solutions appropriate for new and existing product platforms
• Establish scalable manufacturing processes for new products, including process flow, production requirements, labor considerations, and integration with current operations
• Manage commercialization activities from product development through production launch, including scale-up, packaging evaluation, technical validation, and cross-functional implementation
• Work closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Commercial, and other functional teams throughout the development and commercialization process
• Support the installation, start-up, and validation of new processing equipment and manufacturing lines
• Create and maintain product specifications, technical documentation, process parameters, and development records
• Provide technical guidance and problem-solving support during production trials, start-ups, and ongoing manufacturing
• Ensure development activities comply with applicable food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, consumer trends, processing advancements, and product innovation within the protein industry

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to R&D personnel
• Establish clear priorities and accountability while promoting innovation and continuous improvement

Preferred Qualifications and Education Requirements

• 10+ years of research and development experience in food manufacturing, including at least 5 years in a leadership capacity within a complex manufacturing environment
• Strong technical foundation in Food Science, including product development, processing principles, and food safety
• Significant experience developing and manufacturing both fresh/raw and value-added protein products
• Experience with controlled low-temperature cooking processes, including sous vide or comparable technologies
• Hands-on knowledge of ground protein products, whole-muscle cuts, and/or further-processed meat products
• Demonstrated success taking new food products from initial concept through commercial production
• Experience with vacuum-based packaging and cooking technologies, chilled product processes, and packaging systems used for fresh protein products
• Familiarity with automated manufacturing systems and advanced food processing equipment

Core Competencies, Knowledge, and Skill Requirements

The successful candidate will be a proactive, results-oriented leader who can manage competing priorities and resolve technical and operational challenges effectively. Key capabilities include:

• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of meat science, protein functionality, food processing, and contemporary cooking technologies
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to evaluate technical and operational information and convert findings into practical solutions
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to develop teams, establish direction, and deliver results in a manufacturing environment
• Communication: Ability to communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Collaboration: Strong ability to work across functions and build productive internal and external partnerships
• Execution: Effective project management, prioritization, and follow-through from development through commercialization

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The position requires a combination of office and manufacturing-plant work, with flexibility for remote work when on-site activities are not necessary. The individual must be able to:

• Remain seated for extended periods
• Perform routine computer and manual tasks requiring the use of hands
• Communicate effectively in person and through other standard communication methods
• Meet visual requirements associated with office, laboratory, and manufacturing work, including near and distance vision, color recognition, and focus adjustment
• Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 20 pounds
• Work in manufacturing areas where noise levels may range from moderate to loud