Role Overview for EVP, Research & Development with a Global Food Science Co. – Minneapolis, MN
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a world-renowned leader in the global food science and ingredients industry to identify their next Executive Vice President (EVP) of Research & Development. This is a paramount executive leadership position, based at the company’s North American headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. We are seeking a visionary and transformative leader who will architect the future of food innovation and drive the company’s technological and scientific agenda on a global scale.
The EVP of R&D will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This role is responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership, and operational excellence across all facets of the global Research & Development organization. The ideal candidate will be a catalyst for change, fostering a culture of relentless innovation, scientific rigor, and commercial success. You will be entrusted with managing a significant global budget and leading a large, multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians dedicated to creating next-generation products that meet the evolving demands of consumers worldwide.
This is more than a job; it is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on the food industry. You will be at the helm of an organization committed to sustainability, nutrition, and taste, translating breakthrough scientific discoveries into tangible products that nourish and delight millions. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s long-term growth trajectory, profitability, and market leadership. If you are a strategic thinker with a profound understanding of food science, a proven track record of commercializing innovation, and the ability to inspire a global team, we invite you to explore this career-defining opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of EVP, Research & Development with a Global Food Science Co. – Minneapolis, MN
The EVP of R&D will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-range R&D strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives. Champion a forward-thinking vision for innovation, identifying and capitalizing on emerging consumer trends, scientific advancements, and market opportunities.
Innovation Pipeline Management
Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and concept validation to commercialization and post-launch analysis. Build and manage a robust and profitable innovation pipeline that delivers both incremental improvements and disruptive, breakthrough products.
Global Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a global R&D organization across multiple sites. Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and inclusive culture. Attract, retain, and develop top-tier scientific and technical talent, ensuring a strong succession pipeline for critical roles.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key strategic partner to other executive leaders, including Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain. Ensure seamless integration of R&D activities with commercial strategy to guarantee successful product launches and market adoption.
Technology & Scientific Acumen
Maintain and advance the company’s position at the forefront of the industry by championing the exploration and implementation of new technologies, methodologies, and cutting-edge food science principles. Drive research initiatives that create a sustainable competitive advantage.
Financial & Operational Oversight
Develop and manage the global R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to high-priority projects. Implement metrics and KPIs to track R&D performance, productivity, and ROI. Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement within the R&D function.
Regulatory & Quality Compliance
Ensure all product development activities and final products adhere to the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in all global markets. Partner closely with the Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs teams.
Intellectual Property Management
Develop and execute a robust intellectual property strategy to protect the company’s innovations and discoveries. Oversee the patent portfolio and trade secret management to secure long-term competitive differentiation.
External Relationship Management
Act as a key external spokesperson for the company’s scientific and technological capabilities. Build and maintain strong relationships with academic institutions, research partners, technology suppliers, and key industry influencers to foster open innovation and strategic partnerships.
Requirements for the EVP, Research & Development with a Global Food Science Co. – Minneapolis, MN
The successful candidate will be a seasoned executive with a distinguished career in food science and innovation. The specific qualifications include:
Educational Background
A Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or a closely related scientific field is required. An MBA or equivalent business education is highly desirable.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in Research & Development within the food and beverage, ingredients, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. At least 10 years of experience in a senior leadership role (VP level or higher) with a proven track record of managing large, global, multi-site R&D teams.
Technical Expertise
Deep and broad technical knowledge across multiple food science disciplines, including ingredient technology, food chemistry, sensory science, food processing, and packaging. Demonstrated experience in managing the full product development cycle from benchtop to commercial scale.
Strategic & Commercial Acumen
Proven ability to translate complex scientific concepts into commercially viable products. Strong business acumen with a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer insights, and financial metrics. Experience developing and executing long-term strategic plans that have resulted in significant business growth.
Leadership & Influence
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a diverse global team. A demonstrated history of building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability. The ability to influence and build consensus across all levels of the organization, including the Board of Directors.
Communication Skills
Superior verbal and written communication skills. The ability to articulate a compelling vision and complex technical information to both scientific and non-scientific audiences with clarity and conviction.
Global Mindset
Extensive experience working in a global, matrixed organization. A strong understanding of international markets, consumer preferences, and regulatory landscapes. Willingness and ability to travel internationally as required.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain the very best talent. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term incentive plan (stock options/equity).
Health & Wellness
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your family. Executive wellness programs and a generous health savings account (HSA) contribution.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a significant company match and other retirement planning resources.
Work-Life Balance
Generous paid time off (PTO), company holidays, and flexible work arrangements.
Relocation
A comprehensive executive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to the Minneapolis, MN area.
Professional Development
A commitment to continuous learning, including an executive coaching program and opportunities for further education and industry engagement.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and leadership philosophy. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment for the food and beverage industry. We connect innovative companies with transformative leaders. To learn more about our expertise and other opportunities, please visit our JRG Partners’ Food & Beverage Executive Search practice page.
