Director of Research & Development - 111730-6454

at GDH Consulting in Rogers, Arkansas, United States

Job Description

• Lead the development of new food products from concept through commercialization.
• Conduct and supervise research on new ingredients and food processing techniques to enhance flavor, texture, nutritional value, and overall product quality.
• Optimize existing products by reformulating to improve quality, reduce costs, or enhance functionality.
• Perform physical, chemical, and sensory analyses to evaluate raw materials and finished products.
• Develop detailed product, process, and packaging specifications aligned with regulatory standards and market requirements.
• Explore and implement methods to improve product attributes such as flavor, color, texture, and microbiological safety.
• Manage laboratory activities, including prototyping, pilot plant testing, scale-up, and process validation for new products.
• Oversee product scale-up and new product commissioning to ensure smooth transition from lab to production.
• Establish operational process conditions and Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) parameters for manufacturing.
• Analyze operational data to refine product formulations and processing parameters ensuring consistency and quality.
• Qualify and approve new raw materials and packaging materials, ensuring they meet company specifications and regulatory standards.
• Lead research and implementation of innovative packaging solutions to improve product lifecycle and sustainability efforts.
• Manage and mentor the R&D lab team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Drive cross-departmental projects, collaborating with Marketing, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain to align R&D initiatives with business goals.

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field; Master's or Ph.D. preferred.
• Extensive experience in food product development, processing, and packaging within the food industry.
• Strong knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, sensory evaluation, and quality assurance principles.
• Proven track record of leading innovation from concept to commercialization.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to overcoming technical challenges.
• Leadership experience managing teams, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Strong project management skills, capable of prioritizing and managing multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective collaboration across departments.
• Business acumen to align R&D activities with strategic company goals.
• Demonstrates professionalism, tact, and resilience under pressure.

• The opportunity to lead cutting-edge food innovation in a dynamic, growth-oriented company.
• A collaborative work environment that values creativity and continuous learning.
• Career development opportunities growth into senior leadership roles.
• Competitive compensation package and benefits.
• Support for ongoing education and professional development.