Head of Product Development Food and Beverage

FUTURE DIFFERENCE MAKERS WANTED!

CuliNEX is a clean label food and beverage development company dedicated to nourishing a brighter future through food innovation. We are growing and seeking passionate food professionals to join our team.

If you want to accelerate your career in culinary science and food product development, let’s start the conversation today.

Our Company

Since 2005, CuliNEX has been a premier consulting firm providing product development & strategic business services focused on clean label food products. We aim to exceed client goals by creating delicious, clean label foods that promote a healthier planet, people, and communities. We are now part of JPG Resources.

What We Do

We create great tasting, wholesome food. We assist brand owners, food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and retailers in achieving growth by bringing successful products to market across various categories including frozen, refrigerated, shelf-stable foods, seafood, bakery, soups, sauces, dairy, grains, produce, and snacks.

About You

We seek a dynamic, friendly leader who enjoys challenges and working with good people. The ideal candidate has strong technical, organizational, and leadership skills, a good sense of humor under pressure, and pride in their work. Being tech-savvy with proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, Teams, SharePoint, and other software is essential.

Job Summary and Mission

The Head of Product Development ensures the successful execution of consulting services, managing Project Managers and Developers, monitoring labor utilization, project timelines, and employee engagement. This role reports to the Managing Director and collaborates with Revenue Operations, clients, and SMEs.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in and contribute to R&D strategy, goal setting, and recruiting efforts.
• Maintain company culture, reputation, and leadership in clean label food industry.
• Promote efficiency, effectiveness, and employee engagement.
• Oversee the physical kitchen, including cleanliness, equipment, and supplies.
• Manage Developers and Project Managers.
• Provide operational and technical leadership to ensure effective product development, planning, and prioritization.
• Partner with Sales to generate new business, providing technical expertise, assessing opportunities, scoping projects, and building project plans.
• Manage labor allocation, project assignments, and workload balancing.
• Lead development of complex or risky projects.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology, or related; advanced degrees (MSc, MBA) are a plus.
• Minimum 10 years in food product development and 5 years in supervisory roles.

Certifications, Licenses & Memberships

• Member of IFT (national & local) and RCA.

Recommended certifications include CFS, CRC, CCS, and PCQI.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, supervisory, and leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize, delegate, and work in high-pressure environments.

Physical Requirements

Walking, typing, sitting, and standing for extended periods are required.