VP of Research and Innovation

Posted: 01/07/2026 Industry: Laboratory - Food & Beverage Job Number: 2.26KO Pay Rate: 300, + Bonus Remote Friendly:
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Experience:

VP of Research and Innovation

In partnership with Platform & Solutions commercial leaders, the VP of Research & Innovation is responsible for leading the discovery and development of the company ingredient pipeline to drive competitive commercial growth. Primary responsibilities include stimulating and overseeing the research and development initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance for the markets of interest.

The individual in this role would drive innovation leveraging her/his teams along with external (Open Innovation) partnerships and the Process Engineering Department Director to deliver the innovation pipeline.

Such pipeline should be both innovative and competitive complying with required market regulatory standards as well as deliver against committed nutrition requirements as well as sustainability metrics.

Lastly, this role has the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape the continued technical ingredient capabilities into one powerful scientifically-driven innovation powerhouse.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Research and development leadership

• Translating the company growth agenda into a visionary and realistic R&I strategy, setting scientific priorities, as well as coordinating the structure that supports scientific teams to deliver against our ambition
• Oversee the planning, execution and evaluation of R&I projects to ensure NPD metrics are delivered on time
• Fostering a culture of scientific excellence, creativity, agility and collaboration across the organization

Regulatory compliance, Nutrition and Sustainability commitments

• Ensuring the R&I ingredient pipeline complies with regulatory standards for markets of interest
• Incorporate input provided by the Nutrition Science Director
• Devise scientific approaches that support our sustainability goals

Innovation and technology advancements

• Liaising with Process Engineering Director to support the development of new technologies and processes that enhance quality and/or functionality, efficiency, and sustainability of existing products
• Partnering with Open Innovation to identify and explore external opportunities and partnerships that align with market trends and consumer preferences and can augment company’s growth trajectory

Cross-functional collaboration

• Working closely with teams across platform, supply and production to ensure initiatives are aligned with broader business strategies and operational capabilities

Talent development and management

• Attracting, developing and retaining top scientific talent within the organization
• Providing mentorship and guidance to R&I teams, fostering career growth and a culture of continuous learning and improvement

For more information, contact Kristine O’Sullivan at

$300,000 - $350,000 + Bonus

Benefits Available

SKILLS & EXPERIENCES

• Proven experience in research and innovation development in pharma, biotech or food ingredient providers
• PhD in life science fields
• Demonstrate experience developing commercial solutions to meet customers needs, driven by strong customer empathy
• Proven leadership track record in creating high-performing teams of scientists and engineers
• Global mindset and cultural agility
• Proven ability to influence and deliver across a matrixed environment

For more information, contact Kristine O’Sullivan at

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