Director, R&D - Product Development - Beverages

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of R&D for the Beverages portfolio, including new product development, process improvements, and technology adoption.
• Track consumer trends and technical innovations to develop new ways of bringing products to market through process optimizations, new ingredient or equipment technologies, or creative portfolio extensions.
• Act as a strong leader and cross-functional collaborator with teams such as category management, culinary, packaging, marketing, sales, and global partners.
• Manage multiple assignments and development projects concurrently to meet R&D timelines.
• Engage with internal and external groups to establish relationships with internal teams, suppliers, key customer contacts, industry groups, and universities.

Requirements

• 12+ years of R&D and technical service experience in the beverage industry.
• Strong background in product development with a proven track record of leading successful R&D teams.
• Deep understanding of ingredient functionality and the interrelationship of ingredients, processing, and packaging.
• Experience leading large teams of 15+ people and managing leaders.
• Ability to work with diverse personnel, from product developers to global leadership.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 30% of the time for site visits and meetings with vendors.
• Ability to ensure consistency and accountability for team results.
• Capability to traverse the work environment, with up to 1/3 of working hours spent moving around.
• Ability to perform sedentary work, occasionally exerting 0-10 lbs. of force, with limited movement from workstation for brief periods.

Nice to Have

• Experience managing and leading large R&D teams.
• Familiarity with industry groups, universities, and external collaborations in the beverage sector.

Qualifications

• Educational background is not explicitly specified, but extensive industry experience is required.
• Proven leadership experience in R&D within the beverage industry.

Benefits & Perks

• Performance-based bonus and eligibility for long-term incentive (LTI) in the form of equity.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage for employees and dependents.
• Wellbeing programs supporting physical, social, emotional, and financial health.
• Paid time off, holidays, leave of absence, flexible work arrangements, recognition, and training.
• Financial benefits including 401k, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment, and disability coverage.