Director of Food Lab Operations – Cape Coral, FL | Flavor Houses

Flavor Houses, located in Cape Coral, FL, is on the lookout for an experienced and visionary Director of Food Lab Operations to oversee and manage the daily functions of our innovative food lab. As a leader in this pivotal role, you will drive the development of new flavors, oversee testing and production processes, and ensure our lab remains a cutting-edge hub of culinary excellence. If you have a deep understanding of food science and operations management, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of flavor innovation.

Shape the Future of Culinary Excellence at Flavor Houses

The Director of Food Lab Operations will play a key role in overseeing and optimizing the operations within the food lab, ensuring the smooth execution of flavor development projects from concept to execution. This position requires strong leadership, project management skills, and a passion for innovation in the food industry. You will work alongside top chefs, food scientists, and R&D professionals to bring groundbreaking flavor profiles to life, while ensuring the highest quality standards are met. If you are looking for an opportunity to leave your mark in the culinary world, this role offers the platform to do so.

Key Responsibilities of the Director of Food Lab Operations – Flavor Houses

Strategic Leadership in Food Innovation:
Develop and implement the long-term vision for the food lab, aligning flavor development and testing with industry trends and market demands. Lead the creation of new flavor profiles and work to position Flavor Houses as a leader in culinary innovation.

Operational Management:
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the food lab, ensuring the seamless execution of all projects from ideation to production. Optimize workflows, resource allocation, and testing protocols to drive operational efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards in flavor development.

Collaboration & Team Leadership:
Manage a diverse team of food scientists, chefs, and lab technicians. Foster a collaborative and creative work environment, promoting cross-functional teamwork. Provide leadership and mentorship to ensure the team remains motivated, productive, and aligned with company goals.

Flavor Development & Innovation:
Lead the development of new and unique flavor profiles for a variety of consumer products. Oversee testing, formulation, and iteration of flavors to meet consumer tastes, regulatory standards, and market demands. Ensure all new flavors meet the highest quality standards and align with the brand’s vision.

Quality Control & Product Consistency:
Establish and maintain strict quality control measures throughout the flavor development process. Ensure that all flavors are consistent, safe, and meet product specifications. Implement procedures for continuous improvement in testing, production, and quality assurance.

Budgeting & Resource Management:
Manage the food lab’s budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and maintaining cost-effectiveness without compromising quality. Work closely with senior management to allocate funds for research, innovation, and equipment upgrades as needed.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration:
Work closely with other departments, such as marketing, production, and supply chain, to ensure that flavor innovations are aligned with product development and market needs. Provide insights into flavor trends and help develop product concepts that meet consumer expectations.

Health & Safety Compliance:
Ensure that all food lab operations comply with health, safety, and regulatory standards. Maintain a safe working environment by enforcing lab safety protocols and ensuring all products meet food safety regulations.

Consumer Insights & Market Research:
Leverage consumer feedback and market research to guide flavor innovation and product development. Analyze consumer preferences and trends to drive the creation of new products that resonate with target markets.

Risk Management & Compliance:
Proactively manage risks related to food safety, compliance, and intellectual property. Stay informed on industry regulations and ensure the food lab’s operations remain compliant with all local, state, and federal laws.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Director of Food Lab Operations at Flavor Houses, the client is seeking an experienced leader who combines a deep passion for food science with operational expertise. You should have a strong track record in managing food lab operations, driving innovation in flavor development, and optimizing workflows in a fast-paced and creative environment. The ideal candidate will be someone who thrives in dynamic settings and has the ability to lead teams while ensuring top-quality products and compliance with industry standards.

Proven Leadership in Food Lab Operations

The client is looking for a leader with significant experience in food science, flavor development, or food lab management. You should have demonstrated success in managing lab teams, overseeing flavor development, and bringing innovative food products to market. Experience in streamlining lab operations, ensuring consistency in product quality, and leading teams in a collaborative environment is highly valued. The ability to juggle multiple projects while maintaining high standards of quality and safety is essential for this role.

Strategic Vision for Flavor Innovation

As Director of Food Lab Operations, you must have the strategic foresight to guide the food lab’s growth, innovating new flavor profiles that meet evolving consumer preferences. The client seeks someone who can anticipate trends in the food and beverage industry and position the company as a leader in flavor development. Experience in driving new product ideas from concept to execution, as well as identifying opportunities for expansion and differentiation, is key.

Operational Excellence and Efficiency

The client values leaders who can optimize the day-to-day operations of the food lab. You should have strong expertise in managing budgets, resources, and timelines, while maintaining a high standard of operational excellence. The ability to improve processes and systems, streamline workflows, and reduce waste will be critical to ensuring both cost-efficiency and high-quality output.

Expertise in Managing Cross-Functional Teams

This role requires someone who can lead and inspire a diverse team of food scientists, chefs, and lab technicians. You should be adept at building a collaborative, innovative culture while ensuring high levels of performance and engagement. Experience in mentoring and developing talent within food labs or similar environments is highly desirable.

Commitment to Quality Control and Regulatory Compliance

The ideal candidate must have a strong focus on quality control and compliance with food safety standards. The client is looking for a leader who ensures all lab operations comply with industry regulations, health, and safety standards. Your ability to monitor and maintain these standards while promoting a culture of safety and compliance will be key to success in this role.

Consumer-Centric Mindset for Flavor Development

An understanding of consumer behavior and how it influences flavor preferences is crucial. The client seeks someone who can integrate consumer insights into flavor creation and ensure the lab’s output aligns with market demands. Your ability to anticipate consumer tastes and turn these insights into successful, market-leading products will be a significant asset.

Stakeholder and Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Collaboration across various departments is essential in this role. The client values a leader who can work seamlessly with product development, marketing, and sales teams to ensure that the flavors developed in the lab align with the overall business strategy. Strong communication and the ability to engage with key stakeholders across the company will be essential in driving successful product launches.

FAQs About the Role – Director of Food Lab Operations

What are the key responsibilities of the Director of Food Lab Operations in this role?

As the Director of Food Lab Operations, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of the food lab, manage the development of new flavors, and ensure the efficiency and quality of the flavor creation process. You will lead a team of food scientists and technicians, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and maintaining high standards of product quality. Additionally, you will be responsible for managing budgets, resources, and timelines while collaborating with other departments such as marketing and product development to align the lab’s output with market demands.

What qualifications and experience are required for this position?

The ideal candidate should have significant experience in food science, flavor development, or food lab management. A strong background in overseeing lab operations, flavor testing, and product development is essential. Previous leadership experience managing teams in a culinary or food science environment is highly valued. A degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, or a related field is required. A deep understanding of regulatory compliance and quality control processes within the food industry is also critical for success in this role.

What leadership qualities are essential for this role?

The client seeks a leader who is highly organized, results-oriented, and able to inspire and manage a diverse team. Strong communication skills, creativity, and a passion for innovation in food science are key qualities. The ability to manage multiple projects, maintain high-quality standards, and drive operational efficiency will also be crucial. The ideal candidate should also have a collaborative mindset, able to work closely with other departments and stakeholders to ensure the lab’s efforts align with the company’s strategic goals.

What challenges can I expect in this role?

As the Director of Food Lab Operations, you will face challenges such as managing complex and time-sensitive projects, maintaining quality control under tight deadlines, and ensuring regulatory compliance in a rapidly evolving industry. You will also need to balance the demands of creative flavor development with operational efficiency and cost management. Additionally, staying ahead of consumer trends and market demands while maintaining a consistent output of high-quality products will be key challenges.

What is the expected impact of the Director of Food Lab Operations on the company’s growth?

The Director of Food Lab Operations is expected to play a crucial role in driving innovation and ensuring the company remains competitive in flavor development. Your ability to streamline lab operations, create groundbreaking flavors, and maintain consistent product quality will directly contribute to the company’s growth, market differentiation, and long-term success. The role will also be instrumental in strengthening the brand’s reputation for delivering unique, high-quality flavors to consumers.

What is the company’s culture and work environment like?

Flavor Houses fosters a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative work environment. The company values creativity, teamwork, and a passion for food science and culinary arts. As a leader, you will have the opportunity to shape the food lab’s culture by encouraging an atmosphere of continuous learning, innovation, and operational excellence. The company promotes a culture of accountability, where all team members are empowered to contribute their ideas and expertise to drive the company’s success.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Director of Food Lab Operations at Flavor Houses in Cape Coral, FL, you can expect a competitive and rewarding compensation package, designed to attract top talent with the experience and vision to drive success. The remuneration for this role typically includes:

Base Salary

The base salary for the Director of Food Lab Operations is highly competitive, based on your experience and the scale of operations. In this role, you can expect a base salary in the range of $120,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on your qualifications, leadership experience, and expertise in the food science and lab operations sectors.

Performance-Based Bonuses

In addition to a base salary, this role includes performance-based bonuses tied to key metrics such as innovation milestones, operational efficiency improvements, and successful product launches. These bonuses can range from 10% to 30% of the base salary, depending on individual and company performance.

Equity & Stock Options

As part of your compensation, Flavor Houses may offer equity-based incentives, including stock options or performance shares, depending on company growth and performance. These incentives align your success with the company’s long-term goals and provide potential for substantial financial rewards as the company grows.

Profit-Sharing & Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)

Flavor Houses may offer profit-sharing opportunities or long-term incentive plans (LTIPs) to ensure that leadership remains focused on sustained growth. These incentives reward you for contributing to the company’s long-term success and are tied to key company milestones and profitability.

Executive Benefits & Perks

As part of the executive team, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) or pension plans with company contributions
Executive wellness programs
Paid time off and holidays
Travel and entertainment allowances for business development
Company-provided mobile devices and other essential tools for your role

Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance

For candidates relocating to Cape Coral, FL, Flavor Houses may provide signing bonuses or relocation assistance to make the transition smoother. These one-time incentives may range from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the candidate’s experience and relocation needs.

Total Compensation Potential

When considering base salary, bonuses, equity options, and incentives, the total compensation for the Director of Food Lab Operations can range from $150,000 to $250,000 annually, with the potential for higher earnings through performance-based rewards.

How to Apply

If you are a strategic and experienced leader in food science and lab operations, we invite you to apply for the Director of Food Lab Operations role at Flavor Houses in Cape Coral, FL. This is a unique opportunity to lead the innovative efforts of a dynamic company and drive the growth of cutting-edge flavor products in a fast-paced and competitive market.

To apply, please submit your updated resume along with a cover letter detailing your experience in food lab management, flavor development, team leadership, and operational excellence. Highlight your ability to manage lab resources efficiently, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive innovation in flavor creation. Emphasize your leadership skills in fostering high-performing teams and your experience in optimizing lab operations for product development and quality assurance.

This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on the company’s growth and success, as you work at the forefront of flavor innovation in the food industry. Apply today to take the next step in your career as the Director of Food Lab Operations at Flavor Houses in Cape Coral, FL!

For additional information or to explore similar opportunities, please visit our Food Science and Lab Operations Careers Page.

Job Category: Flavor Houses

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Cape Coral

Director of Food Lab Operations – Cape Coral, FL | Flavor Houses