VP of R&D

Flowers Foods • OR

91d

About The Position

The Vice President of Research & Development oversees and manages all product innovation and development efforts across our baked foods portfolio. This role serves as the primary technical expert and strategic advisor to the commercial organization, translating scientific insights, technological advancements, and market intelligence into high-impact product solutions. The VP of R&D will also play a critical role in developing the next generation of technical talent, ensuring the organization remains future-ready and innovation-driven.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in food product development, with a strong focus on baked goods
• Master’s or PhD in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or related field

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for the commercial organization, providing expert guidance on product capabilities, formulation strategies, and innovation opportunities
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Business Development to align R&D initiatives with customer needs, market positioning, and brand strategy
• Support customer engagements and presentations with deep technical knowledge and solution-oriented thinking
• Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies to enhance product performance and production efficiency
• Translate scientific research and academic findings into commercially viable product innovations
• Collaborate with external partners, universities, and research institutions to stay at the forefront of food science and technology
• Monitor and analyze consumer behavior, dietary trends, and lifestyle shifts to inform product development strategies
• Lead the development of products that align with clean label, sustainability, and functional nutrition demands
• Partner with Marketing and Insights teams to validate concepts through consumer testing and sensory evaluation
• Stay ahead of regulatory changes and ensure all R&D initiatives are compliant
• Anticipate and respond to global and regional food policy shifts that impact product formulation and innovation pipelines
• Represent the company in industry forums and regulatory discussions to influence and adapt to evolving standards
• Lead efforts to develop emerging technical skills across the R&D team and broader organization
• Build a pipeline of future-ready leaders by mentoring high-potential talent and fostering leadership capacity
• Actively seek new ideas and diverse sources of talent to strengthen the innovation ecosystem
• Develop and execute a forward-looking R&D roadmap aligned with business growth, sustainability goals, and market trends
• Lead cross-functional innovation initiatives with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Quality Assurance to ensure successful commercialization
• Oversee pilot plant trials, scale-up processes, and technology transfers to manufacturing
• Drive process improvements through smart manufacturing, automation, and ingredient optimization
• Practice and comply with all Company policies and procedures
• Perform other duties deemed by management to be an integral part of the job

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and medical benefits
• 401(k) Retirement savings plan
• Professional growth and leadership training
• Paid vacation, holidays, and parental leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees