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.
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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.
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Key Responsibilities
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- Direct new product development across fresh, raw, and prepared protein categories, including ground, whole-muscle, and fully cooked applications
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- Develop and refine formulations and manufacturing processes to achieve product quality, yield, shelf-life, performance, and cost objectives
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- Plan and execute laboratory, pilot-scale, and production-scale trials to evaluate product concepts and confirm manufacturing feasibility
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- Evaluate processing technologies and work with external equipment and technical partners to identify solutions appropriate for new and existing product platforms
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- Establish scalable manufacturing processes for new products, including process flow, production requirements, labor considerations, and integration with current operations
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- Manage commercialization activities from product development through production launch, including scale-up, packaging evaluation, technical validation, and cross-functional implementation
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- Work closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Commercial, and other functional teams throughout the development and commercialization process
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- Support the installation, start-up, and validation of new processing equipment and manufacturing lines
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- Create and maintain product specifications, technical documentation, process parameters, and development records
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- Provide technical guidance and problem-solving support during production trials, start-ups, and ongoing manufacturing
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- Ensure development activities comply with applicable food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements
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- Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, consumer trends, processing advancements, and product innovation within the protein industry
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Supervisory Responsibilities
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- Provide leadership, coaching, and development to R&D personnel
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- Establish clear priorities and accountability while promoting innovation and continuous improvement
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Preferred Qualifications and Education Requirements
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- 10+ years of research and development experience in food manufacturing, including at least 5 years in a leadership capacity within a complex manufacturing environment
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- Strong technical foundation in Food Science, including product development, processing principles, and food safety
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- Significant experience developing and manufacturing both fresh/raw and value-added protein products
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- Experience with controlled low-temperature cooking processes, including sous vide or comparable technologies
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- Hands-on knowledge of ground protein products, whole-muscle cuts, and/or further-processed meat products
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- Demonstrated success taking new food products from initial concept through commercial production
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- Experience with vacuum-based packaging and cooking technologies, chilled product processes, and packaging systems used for fresh protein products
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- Familiarity with automated manufacturing systems and advanced food processing equipment
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Core Competencies, Knowledge, and Skill Requirements
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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:
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- Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of meat science, protein functionality, food processing, and contemporary cooking technologies
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- Analytical Thinking: Ability to evaluate technical and operational information and convert findings into practical solutions
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- Leadership: Demonstrated ability to develop teams, establish direction, and deliver results in a manufacturing environment
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- Communication: Ability to communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
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- Collaboration: Strong ability to work across functions and build productive internal and external partnerships
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- Execution: Effective project management, prioritization, and follow-through from development through commercialization
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Work Environment and Physical Requirements
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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:
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- Remain seated for extended periods
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- Perform routine computer and manual tasks requiring the use of hands
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- Communicate effectively in person and through other standard communication methods
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- Meet visual requirements associated with office, laboratory, and manufacturing work, including near and distance vision, color recognition, and focus adjustment
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- Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 20 pounds
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- Work in manufacturing areas where noise levels may range from moderate to loud
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