Director, Research & Development

Kinder's•Walnut Creek, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Research & Development at Kinder's will play a pivotal role in leading a team that drives product innovation projects. Reporting to the VP of Research & Development, you will be responsible for the technical and people management of a team of managers and product developers, focusing on bringing best-in-class products to market with industry-leading speed. In this multifaceted role, you will collaborate with internal teams, cross-functional stakeholders, and third-party partners to execute key innovation projects. You will be responsible for supporting a world-class team, with a flexible approach that can easily transition between coaching / mentorship and a hands-on style where necessary.

Requirements

10-12+ years of experience in research & development, innovation management, or a similar field.
CPG experience, including at least some advanced experience in food development required.
Proven experience leading the development and commercial scale-up of key line extensions and product renovations.
Strong project management skills with the ability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams including both internal and external stakeholders.
Consumer-obsessed innovator with a passion for turning consumer needs into high value product solutions.
Proficiency in developing and implementing product development and commercialization strategies.
Data-driven mindset, with the ability to analyze efficiently and make data-backed decisions quickly.
Proven people-centric leader with an emphasis on driving performance through culture and mentorship.
Bachelor's degree.
Technical degree (e.g. food science, chemistry /engineering, etc.), while not required, is a significant plus.
Growth mindset with an excitement to learn (and teach).
Passionate people-lover excited by the opportunity to build strong relationships with teammates and consumers.
Low ego with a strong sense of humility.
Thrive in a dynamic, lean, and agile environment.
Collaborative mindset with an ability to find creative solutions.
Self-starter who takes initiative and is willing to speak their mind.
Excited to be part of a fast-moving team with the ability to be a leader and a follower where required.
Enjoy making decisions and finding ways to say ‘yes’ as often as possible to impactful and important priorities.

Responsibilities

Drive the end-to-end development of innovation projects from concept to commercialization.
Support the commercial scale-up of new products, ensuring a seamless transition from development to launch.
Partner with key internal stakeholders (Operations, Innovation, Project Management) to identify development priorities and translate them into an aggressive, cohesive and attainable project plan.
Ensure market-leading speed to market and volume of innovation, while delivering against the high-quality standards of the brand.
Build a culture of strong technical design including application of design-for-manufacturability and design-for-margin principles.
Partner with Innovation and Finance teams to identify and prioritize key opportunities to drive improved product margins while sustaining or increasing product quality.
Lead the team in the renovation of key existing products to improve cost, quality, and overall consumer value.
Lead the review and maintenance of all product documentation, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for key internal and external partners.
Effectively communicate product specifications and critical information to commercialization partners, including creative/packaging design teams, the quality department, and key external partners (including co-packers).
Drive a project hindsight process to capture key insights and incorporate them into future project team briefing and project prioritization.
Lead and mentor a team of managers and product developers, guiding key projects supporting the innovation product platforms of the business.
Partner closely with cross-functional leaders (e.g., Innovation, Operations, Quality, Portfolio, and Finance) to drive project alignment and ensure successful delivery of key programs.
Facilitate project team meetings, create and present status reports, and provide clear communication on project risks and opportunities to departmental and senior leadership.
Act as a champion for the Research & Development process, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.