CareersInFood.com · 3 hours ago
Director of Research Development
Pearl, MS
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
5+ years expReed Food Technology is a family-owned food manufacturing company with locations in Mississippi, seeking a Director of Research Development to lead their R&D Lab. This role involves overseeing a diverse team of food scientists and lab technicians, ensuring effective project completion, and troubleshooting production issues while fostering a collaborative lab atmosphere.
Human ResourcesManufacturing
Hiring Manager
Andi Thornbury
Responsibilities
Strong leadership experience, with a proven talent for fostering and developing and R&D team
Ensure balanced distribution of workload, and successful completion of projects while contributing to a positive, innovation-forward lab atmosphere
Ability to multi-task, managing responsibilities across the full spectrum of RFT operations
Deep knowledge of hydrocolloid and starch systems as used in emulsified sauces
Ability to communicate field-specific technical knowledge to non-technical associates
Function as a communication hub for R&D, production, sales, and senior management
Strong collaborative skills and team-work acumen
Understanding of analytical metrics of food products, and the impact of pH, Brix, acidity, salt, water activity, and viscosity in determining storage conditions and shelf life of products
Ability to utilize analytical data collected from off-the-shelf sauces and seasonings in order to mimic flavor profiles as part of the product development process
Knowledge of HACCP and GFSI-based food safety and quality systems. PCQI certification is a plus
Experience with industry-standard batter/breading procedures, including the ability to test samples at laboratory scale
Knowledge of industrial food production equipment, machinery, and processes; eagerness to provide insight and suggestions for optimization thereof
Troubleshoot production problems, and provide insight on rework of out-of-spec products
Broad knowledge of the food industry supply chain with experience in ingredient sourcing
Conduct experiments to validate new ingredients, processes, equipment, and technologies
Ability to stand for extended periods of time, and regularly lift/carry upwards of 50 lbs
Qualification
Required
Strong leadership experience, with a proven talent for fostering and developing an R&D team
Ensure balanced distribution of workload, and successful completion of projects while contributing to a positive, innovation-forward lab atmosphere
Ability to multi-task, managing responsibilities across the full spectrum of RFT operations
Deep knowledge of hydrocolloid and starch systems as used in emulsified sauces
Ability to communicate field-specific technical knowledge to non-technical associates
Function as a communication hub for R&D, production, sales, and senior management
Strong collaborative skills and team-work acumen
Understanding of analytical metrics of food products, and the impact of pH, Brix, acidity, salt, water activity, and viscosity in determining storage conditions and shelf life of products
Ability to utilize analytical data collected from off-the-shelf sauces and seasonings in order to mimic flavor profiles as part of the product development process
Knowledge of HACCP and GFSI-based food safety and quality systems
Experience with industry-standard batter/breading procedures, including the ability to test samples at laboratory scale
Knowledge of industrial food production equipment, machinery, and processes; eagerness to provide insight and suggestions for optimization thereof
Troubleshoot production problems, and provide insight on rework of out-of-spec products
Broad knowledge of the food industry supply chain with experience in ingredient sourcing
Conduct experiments to validate new ingredients, processes, equipment, and technologies
Ability to stand for extended periods of time, and regularly lift/carry upwards of 50 lbs
Bachelors of Science in Food Science or related field
Minimum 5 years' experience leading and managing product development
Strong analytical aptitude, mathematical ability, and problem-solving skills
Strong leadership skills and self-assurance
Intimate knowledge of food microbiology and food chemistry
Experience in food safety and QA programs such as SQF, HAACP/HARPC, GMP standards, etc
Ability to function as part of a dynamic team
Preferred
PCQI certification is a plus
Preference given for advanced degrees
Benefits
Full comprehensive health insurance plan, including dental and vision coverage
401K plan with company match
Help with moving expenses
Company
CareersInFood.com
CareersInFood is the largest & most comprehensive niche job board in North America dedicated to the Food & Beverage Manufacturing community.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase