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# Director of Food Innovation


Director of Food Innovation (Chicago, IL)
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in the food and beverage industry, is thrilled to partner with a pioneering leader in the culinary world. Our client, a renowned and rapidly expanding food company celebrated for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and groundbreaking products, is seeking an exceptional Director of Food Innovation. This pivotal role is designed for a visionary leader who can ignite creativity, drive strategic product development, and shape the future of their diverse product portfolio. If you are a seasoned R&D professional with a passion for transforming market insights into tangible, delicious, and commercially successful food products, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact.
As the Director of Food Innovation, you will be at the forefront of culinary and scientific exploration, leading a dynamic team of food scientists, chefs, and product developers. You will be instrumental in translating consumer trends, market demands, and emerging food technologies into innovative product concepts that resonate with a broad consumer base. This is more than just a job; it’s a chance to leave your mark on the food industry, working with a company that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. You will guide the strategic direction of research and development, ensuring that our client remains a leader in taste, nutrition, and market share. Your expertise will bridge the gap between scientific discovery and commercial viability, bringing truly novel food experiences to life. This role demands a blend of scientific rigor, culinary artistry, and astute business acumen, all within a fast-paced and supportive environment. Join us in shaping the next generation of food products!
Role Overview for Director of Food Innovation
The Director of Food Innovation will serve as a strategic leader, overseeing all aspects of product research, development, and commercialization from concept to launch. This executive will be responsible for fostering a culture of innovation, driving the creation of new and improved food products that align with the company’s brand vision, market strategy, and financial objectives. Reporting directly to the VP of R&D or a similar executive leader, this role requires a strong blend of scientific expertise, culinary understanding, and business acumen. The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team, manage complex projects, and collaborate extensively with cross-functional departments including Marketing, Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance. Your primary mission will be to identify emerging consumer needs and technological advancements, translating these insights into a robust pipeline of innovative products that delight consumers and drive business growth. This involves not only developing groundbreaking new products but also optimizing existing lines for improved taste, nutrition, cost-efficiency, and sustainability. You will be expected to be a thought leader in the industry, staying ahead of competitive landscapes and global food trends. The role encompasses strategic planning, resource allocation, budget management, and intellectual property development, ensuring the company maintains a competitive edge through continuous innovation. Your leadership will inspire your team to push boundaries, experiment with new ingredients and processes, and deliver products that set new industry benchmarks. This is a high-impact role demanding a proactive, results-oriented leader with a proven track record of bringing successful food products to market.
Key Responsibilities of Director of Food Innovation
Strategic Innovation Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive innovation strategy aligned with the company’s overall business goals, market trends, and consumer insights. Identify white space opportunities for new product categories and market expansion.
New Product Development (NPD)
Lead the end-to-end NPD process, from ideation and concept generation through prototyping, sensory evaluation, pilot production, and commercial scale-up. Oversee the development of formulations, processing parameters, and specifications for new products.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of food scientists, R&D chefs, and product developers. Foster a collaborative, creative, and results-driven environment, promoting continuous learning and professional growth.
Project Management
Manage multiple complex innovation projects concurrently, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet all technical and commercial objectives. Implement robust project management methodologies and tools.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Act as a key liaison between R&D and other departments including Marketing (for consumer insights and launch strategies), Sales (for market adoption), Operations (for manufacturing feasibility), Supply Chain (for ingredient sourcing), and Quality Assurance (for food safety and regulatory compliance).
Ingredient and Technology Scouting
Continuously research and evaluate new ingredients, processing technologies, and packaging solutions to enhance product performance, nutritional profiles, and sustainability. Explore cutting-edge food technology to gain a competitive advantage.
Budget Management
Develop and manage the R&D budget, allocating resources effectively across various projects and initiatives to maximize return on investment.
Quality & Regulatory Compliance
Ensure all developed products meet stringent food safety standards, regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, USDA), and internal quality specifications. Stay abreast of changes in food law and industry best practices.
Intellectual Property Management
Work with legal teams to identify and protect intellectual property related to new product formulations, processes, and technologies.
Consumer Insights & Sensory Science
Partner with marketing and external agencies to integrate consumer insights and sensory evaluation data into the product development process, ensuring products meet consumer preferences and expectations.
Sustainability Initiatives
Drive innovation in sustainable product development, including exploring plant-based alternatives, reducing food waste, optimizing packaging, and sourcing ethical ingredients.
Continuous Improvement
Champion continuous improvement initiatives within the R&D function, optimizing processes, methodologies, and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Market & Competitive Analysis
Conduct thorough market analysis and competitive benchmarking to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for innovation, positioning the company as a market leader.
Requirements for the Director of Food Innovation
Education
Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Science, Biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field is required.
Experience
Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in food product R&D within the food manufacturing industry, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership or management role overseeing innovation teams. Experience with both established brands and agile startup environments is a plus.
Technical Expertise

Demonstrated expertise in food chemistry, ingredient functionality, food processing technologies, and shelf-life extension.
Strong understanding of food safety principles (HACCP, GMPs) and regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA, etc.).
Proficiency in sensory evaluation methodologies and their application in product development.
Experience with various food categories (e.g., CPG, frozen, dairy, plant-based, baked goods, snacks) is highly desirable.

Leadership & Management Skills

Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
Exceptional project management skills with a track record of successfully bringing multiple complex products from concept to commercialization.
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to translate complex scientific concepts into actionable business strategies.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical audiences, including executive leadership.
Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and collaborate effectively with internal teams, external partners, and suppliers.

Business Acumen

Solid understanding of business financials, P&L management, and the commercialization process.
Ability to balance scientific rigor with market demands and commercial viability.

Innovation Mindset
A passionate innovator with a curious mind, constantly seeking new ideas, technologies, and approaches to food product development.
Adaptability
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing ambiguity and adapting to changing priorities.
Location
Ability to work on-site in Chicago, IL, with occasional travel as needed for supplier visits, conferences, and consumer research.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client understands that attracting and retaining top talent requires a robust and competitive benefits package. As the Director of Food Innovation, you will be offered an exceptional compensation package that reflects your experience and the critical nature of this role, including a highly competitive base salary, performance-based bonuses, and equity opportunities. Beyond compensation, you will enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support your well-being and professional growth, including:
Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with significant employer contributions.
Financial Security
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with company matching, life insurance, and disability coverage.
Work-Life Balance
Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
Professional Development
Opportunities for continuous learning, attendance at industry conferences, workshops, and access to cutting-edge research facilities and tools.
Innovation Culture
Work in a dynamic, collaborative, and highly innovative environment where your ideas are valued and encouraged.
Impactful Work
The chance to lead transformative projects that directly influence the company’s growth and market position.
Employee Discounts
Special discounts on company products.
Relocation Assistance
For qualified candidates, relocation support to Chicago, IL, may be provided.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary leader ready to revolutionize the food industry and drive innovation at a leading company, JRG Partners invites you to apply. This is an unparalleled opportunity to leverage your expertise and passion for food science and product development.
To be considered for the Director of Food Innovation position, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your leadership can contribute to our client’s continued success.
For more insights into our specialized recruitment services in this sector, please visit our dedicated Food & Beverage Recruitment page.