Director of R&D
About The Position
The Director of Research & Development provides strategic and technical leadership for the development, improvement, and commercialization of flour-based products, grain ingredients, blends, and value-added solutions. This position will lead innovation efforts while supporting manufacturing, quality, sales, marketing, and customers to ensure products meet functional, regulatory, food safety, and commercial requirements. The Director oversees product development from concept through commercialization while driving continuous improvement, ingredient optimization, cost reduction, and technical excellence across the organization. strategies.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, Biotechnology, food science, biology, or a related field, plus 2–3 years of relevant experience.
- Relevant industry experience R&D, and commercialization of food or dairy products and ingredients.
- Travel requirement is up to 25%.
- Advanced skills in collaboration, technical communication, and effective presentation.
- Ability to work cohesively with diverse teams.
- Expertise in research design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of scientific findings.
- Strategic thinking and business acumen.
- A strong work ethic, integrity, and a commitment to representing farmer values are essential attributes for this role.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the company's R&D strategy aligned with business objectives.
- Lead development of new flour products, custom blends, premixes, and specialty grain ingredients.
- Improve existing products for functionality, quality, nutrition, shelf life, and cost.
- Identify emerging consumer trends and evaluate new ingredients and technologies.
- Serve as the company's technical expert in flour milling, grain science, cereal chemistry, and baking applications.
- Lead laboratory, pilot plant, and commercial production trials.
- Develop technical specifications and testing protocols.
- Support manufacturing and customer technical troubleshooting.
- Partner with Operations to improve milling yields, consistency, and efficiency.
- Optimize blending and ingredient handling processes.
- Lead continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives.
- Provide technical support to Sales and Marketing.
- Work directly with customers on product development projects.
- Assist with customer presentations and technical documentation.
Benefits
- Medical Insurance (first day of the month after starting date)
- Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance and AD&D, Employer Paid
- Short Term Disability
- Long Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Accident Insurance, optional
- Critical Illness Insurance, optional
- 401K, Employer Match
- PTO & Vacation Pay
- 9 Paid Holidays
- Company Product Discounts
- Tuition Reimbursement, up to $5,000.00 per calendar year
- Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Leave
- Company Incentive Plan
- Bereavement Pay
- Relocation Available
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
