Director, R&D Kettle

CTI Foods•Saginaw, TX

About The Position

The Director of R&D for the Kettle Business will lead all product development and innovation initiatives related to kettle-cooked products, including soups, sauces, and other wet-processed foods. This role is responsible for driving technical strategy, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and delivering customer-focused solutions that align with business objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum 10+ years of experience in food product development, with significant expertise in kettle-cooked products
Proven track record of leading R&D teams and successful product commercialization.
Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and process optimization.
Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
Integrity, Collaboration, Continuous Improvement, and Accountability.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:
Develop and execute the R&D strategy for kettle products to support growth and profitability goals.
Identify emerging trends and technologies to maintain competitive advantage in kettle processing.
Product Development & Commercialization:
Oversee formulation, process development, and scale-up from bench to plant trials.
Ensure successful commercialization of new products, meeting quality, cost, and timeline targets.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner with Sales, Operations, FSQ, and Procurement teams to align product development with customer needs.
Provide technical expertise during customer presentations and product launches.
Compliance & Safety:
Ensure adherence to GMPs, SSOPs, and regulatory requirements throughout development and production.
Team Leadership:
Manage and mentor a team of scientists and technicians, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Performs other related duties as assigned.