Director of Research and Development

Summary

The R&D Director plays a central role in organizing the team of scientists towards the development of new platforms, flavors, optimization and productivity to meet company and department objectives.

A successful director is not just a skilled food scientist and developer, but just as important, an organizer and communicator of departmental activities.

Responsibilities

• Identify innovative product and process solutions to meet consumer, customer and business needs as a strategic driver for business growth
• Identify and document internal and external resource needs to support agreed upon development programs; effectively uses all available resources
• Track activity of scientists and balance work load across the team
• Communicate up to VP and beyond departmental activities, status and progress
• Lead in-plant programs in support of improved product processing and productivity; ensure legal, regulatory and quality standards are met during commercialization of food products
• Lead hands-on development activities as required to meet project objectives; involving, at times, performing the tasks normally conducted by food technologists and project leaders
• Map and develop the technical career path for team of scientists and technologists, to ensure sustained project output
• Identify, build relationships and leverage alliances with external innovation partners like suppliers & vendors to accelerate new product & technology development.
• Identify and explore new areas of technical opportunities
• Proactively improve existing platforms and technologies
• Approve all pilot and trial designs to achieve the best cost, quality, and time to the target
• Execute projects within the defined time and financial frame, while also delivering 100% expected quality and legal compliance
• Build relationships with food technology departments of universities and related professional networks

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Food Science or Food Technology with 10+ years of relevant experience
• 5+ years of management experience preferred
• Exemplary leadership skills; ability to lead and influence multi-disciplinary teams to drive initiatives and concepts from initiation to completion
• Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills (both written and oral)
• Communicate effectively, cross-functionally and across diverse levels within and outside the organization
• Demonstrated understanding of product development requirements
• Extensive knowledge of and about dairy products and ingredients
• Extremely passionate about product quality and consumer satisfaction
• Strong capability for root cause analysis
• Demonstrated passion for hands-on leadership
• Ability to make complex decisions and communicate with both technical and non-technical team members
• Strong understanding of and passion for the Food/CPG industry
• Proven track record of consumer focused innovation, ability to analyze and interpret consumer research data, technical understanding and technical writing
• Strong sensory capabilities
• Willingness to travel up to 25%, or as per business requirements

About Us

Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers – Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at 32 cafes, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail.   

Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world – putting humanity first in everything it does. The company’s philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond: working to eradicate child hunger, supporting immigrants, refugees and underrepresented people, honoring veterans, and protecting the planet. Chobani manufactures its products in New York, Idaho, Michigan and Australia, and its products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets.

For more information, please visit www.chobani.com and www.lacolombe.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Chobani is an equal opportunity employer. Chobani will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on any basis including, but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military and/or veteran status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics and genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws.