Sr RD&E Program Leader

Ecolab•Greensboro, NC

6d•$133,700 - $200,600•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Program Leader – Food Safety & Microbiology to lead a critical function within our RD&E organization. This role is responsible for advancing Ecolab’s food safety and public health innovation agenda across our Global Quick Service and Food Retail businesses. This role operates at the intersection of science, customer insight, and business impact, with the opportunity to shape solutions that protect food safety on a global scale. This position is in Greensboro, NC and reports to the VP RD&E for Global Quick Service and Global Food Retail.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, engineering, biology, food science, or related scientific/technical discipline
10+ years of experience in RD&E or technical roles
4+ years of experience in product development and/or project leadership
Experience designing and executing experimental and analytical studies
Demonstrated ability to collaborate across cross-functional business teams

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant discipline
Proven track record of successful product development and commercial launches
Experience leading and developing high-performing technical associates
Strong knowledge of food safety principles, microbiology, and FDA Food Code
Demonstrated ability to lead through complexity and influence across global stakeholders
Experience serving as a technical leader with customers or industry organizations

Responsibilities

Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing food safety and microbiology team, building strong technical capability and leaders
Own and deliver the food safety and public health innovation pipeline, ensuring alignment with business priorities and driving speed and impact of commercialization
Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the microbiology laboratory, ensuring high-quality customer testing, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence
Serve as the voice of food safety for QSR and FRS, engaging with customers, industry organizations, and internal leaders to influence strategy and outcomes
Lead cross-functional alignment across RD&E, Marketing, Regulatory, Sales, and Supply Chain to deliver integrated, customer-centric solutions
Translate customer and industry insights into differentiated technologies, anticipating emerging risks, regulatory changes, and competitive dynamics
Contribute as a key member of the RD&E Technical Leadership Team