Director of Research & Product Innovation

Director, Technical Services - Research & Product Innovation Reports to: President Compensation: $115,000–$125,000 base + up to 20% annual bonus tied to individual and company performance Work Structure: Primarily onsite with Friday work-from-home flexibility and additional hybrid options after onboarding The Opportunity Our client is seeking a technically grounded, innovation-minded leader to step into a highly visible Director of Technical Services role. This position sits at the intersection of science, product innovation, and operational execution, with a clear mandate to strengthen and scale the organization’s R&D engine while maintaining sound quality and regulatory discipline. This is a role for someone who brings a strong academic foundation in Food Science or a related discipline, paired with progressive, hands-on leadership experience in product development. The right leader will be energized by building, refining, and launching products that perform in the real world. They will understand how to translate technical knowledge into commercial success. In simple terms: Heavy on R&D leadership. Quality oversight that supports innovation, not slows it down. A seat at the table with executive leadership and the ability to shape the future product pipeline. What This Leader Will Own Product Innovation and Development Drive the full product lifecycle from concept through commercialization and post-launch optimization Translate customer needs, regulatory requirements, and market trends into viable, scalable product solutions Lead formulation, trials, and commercialization efforts with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset Technical and Strategic Leadership Build and execute a forward-looking R&D strategy aligned with company growth objectives Provide visible, hands-on leadership to the technical team, setting the tone for accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement Partner closely with Operations, Sales, and Marketing to ensure technical decisions support business performance Quality and Compliance Framework Maintain strong quality systems that enable innovation while protecting product integrity and regulatory compliance Serve as the SQF practitioner and oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the SQF system Ensure product registrations, documentation, and approvals are completed accurately and efficiently What Sets the Right Candidate Apart Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a closely related technical field 7+ years of progressive experience across R&D and technical leadership roles within food or consumer product manufacturing Demonstrated success leading product development initiatives from idea to commercialization Strong command of regulatory requirements, food safety standards, and quality systems A leadership style that blends technical credibility with the ability to coach, influence, and drive results Why This Role Matters This is not a maintenance role. It is a build, refine, and lead role for someone who enjoys seeing their work move from the lab to the production floor to the customer. The President is looking for a trusted technical partner. Someone who can think strategically, act decisively, and elevate the organization’s innovation capability over time. For the right leader, this is a chance to make a meaningful impact while continuing to grow professionally in an environment that values both science and execution.