Director of Research & Development

Director of R&D (Food industry)

Location:

Stamford, CT

Salary: $ - $ per year + bonus + exceptional benefits

Key Responsibilities

• Lead product development across multiple food categories, delivering innovation, renovation, and cost savings in partnership with third‑party contract manufacturers

• Maintain and evolve R&D systems, including formula repositories, specifications, retain samples, and process documentation

• Build and manage relationships with co‑packers, external partners, and suppliers to scale product and process innovations

• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) across all contract manufacturing locations

• Ensure full compliance with FDA regulations for acidified foods (21 CFR 108 & 114), including process filings, acidification controls, and pH validation

• Work with Quality to meet FDA's Current Good Manufacturing Practices (21 CFR 117) under FSMA, including review of copacker food safety plans, hazard analyses, and preventive controls

• Represent R&D in strategic forums and cross‑functional decision‑making, offering technical leadership and fact‑based recommendations

Desired Qualifications

• 10+ years of food industry experience in R&D and product development, including 5+ years in a leadership role

• Proven expertise in Food Safety by Design and risk mitigation during product development

• Deep familiarity with U.S. FDA regulations for acidified foods (21 CFR 108 & 114) is required

• Demonstrated ability to translate consumer insights into successful food products

• Experienced in building and scaling high‑performing teams in dynamic, fast‑paced, entrepreneurial settings

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Manufacturing, Research, and Supply Chain

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