Senior Director of Research and Development – Orlando, FL | Healthy Snacks

Are you a seasoned leader with a passion for innovation and a track record of success in Research and Development? We are looking for a Senior Director of Research and Development to join a leading healthy snacks company in Orlando, FL. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of the company, driving product innovation, and expanding its footprint in the healthy snacks market. If you’re passionate about health-conscious food products and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you.

Drive Product Innovation and Shape the Future of Healthy Snacks

As the Senior Director of Research and Development, you will be at the forefront of transforming the company’s product portfolio, leading the development of innovative snack offerings that resonate with today’s health-conscious consumers. Based in Orlando, FL, you will have the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team of scientists and food technologists to bring new, exciting products to market. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of food science, trends in healthy eating, and a strategic vision for R&D in a rapidly evolving industry. This is your chance to leave a significant mark on the growth and success of a thriving company.

Key Responsibilities of the Senior Director of Research and Development – Healthy Snacks

Strategic Innovation Leadership
Develop and execute a research and development strategy that aligns with the company’s vision for growth and sustainability in the healthy snacks sector. Lead the development of new product concepts and innovative solutions that meet consumer demand for health-conscious snack options, keeping the company ahead of market trends and competition.

Product Development & Innovation
Lead and manage the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from ideation and formulation to commercialization. Ensure the creation of high-quality, innovative snack products that meet nutritional standards and appeal to health-conscious consumers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches that align with consumer preferences and brand values.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Leadership
Work closely with Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to ensure seamless product development and execution. Drive collaboration across departments to ensure timely product launches, scalability, and optimal production processes. Ensure that R&D initiatives align with business goals and are integrated across all aspects of the company.

Consumer & Market Research
Conduct ongoing market research to identify emerging consumer trends, dietary preferences, and competitive product offerings. Utilize consumer insights and data to guide product innovation and improve existing product lines, ensuring relevance and appeal in the marketplace.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
Ensure all new and existing products comply with food safety regulations and quality standards. Work closely with the regulatory affairs team to ensure the company meets all relevant industry standards for healthy snacks, including certifications related to nutrition and health.

Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead and mentor a team of R&D professionals, fostering an environment of creativity, innovation, and continuous learning. Provide guidance, professional development, and performance feedback to ensure the R&D team meets organizational objectives and maintains a high level of expertise.

Cost Management & Budgeting
Manage R&D budgets effectively, ensuring resource allocation is optimized for maximum return on investment. Monitor and control costs related to product development, testing, and innovation processes while maintaining a focus on quality and product excellence.

Sustainability & Sourcing
Drive sustainability initiatives within the R&D function, focusing on sustainable sourcing, packaging, and production methods for healthy snacks. Collaborate with suppliers and production teams to develop environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions.

Brand Alignment & Market Positioning
Ensure that all R&D efforts align with the company’s brand positioning and market goals. Work closely with the marketing and branding teams to ensure that new product lines reflect the company’s commitment to healthy, innovative snack offerings while meeting consumer needs.

Risk Management & Problem-Solving
Identify potential risks related to product development, manufacturing processes, or market acceptance and implement strategies to mitigate these risks. Provide solutions to unforeseen challenges in the product development process, ensuring minimal disruption to timelines and budgets.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Senior Director of Research and Development – Healthy Snacks, the client seeks a visionary leader who excels in driving innovation, product development, and market expansion within the healthy snacks sector. You should be a strategic thinker with a strong passion for health-conscious products, and the ability to translate consumer insights into impactful, market-ready snacks. If you are driven by creativity, operational excellence, and a commitment to sustainability, this is the opportunity for you.

Proven Expertise in Product Development and Innovation

The client is looking for a seasoned R&D leader with extensive experience in the food and snacks industry. You should have a strong track record of leading product development teams, launching new and innovative products, and ensuring that they meet both consumer demands and regulatory standards. Experience in developing healthy snack options that appeal to a diverse range of consumers is highly valued.

Strategic Vision for R&D Growth

As Senior Director of R&D, you must demonstrate the ability to create and implement a strategic vision for research and development. The ideal candidate will have experience in anticipating industry trends, identifying new opportunities for product innovation, and positioning the company as a leader in the healthy snacks space. You should be able to drive long-term product strategies that align with the company’s broader business goals.

Strong Leadership and Team Development

Leadership is essential in this role, and the client is looking for a Director who can lead and inspire a high-performing team. You should be able to foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and accountability, while providing mentorship and professional development to your team. Experience in building and leading cross-functional teams is critical to success in this role.

Consumer-Centric Approach

A deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends is crucial for success. The ideal candidate will have experience using consumer insights and market research to guide product development and innovation. You should have the ability to translate these insights into actionable strategies that drive brand loyalty and expand the company’s market presence.

Commitment to Operational Efficiency and Quality

The client seeks a Senior Director who can ensure that the R&D function operates efficiently while maintaining high-quality standards. You should be experienced in managing budgets, optimizing costs, and implementing cost-effective processes across product development and testing phases. A strong focus on quality control, sustainability, and compliance with food safety regulations is essential.

Collaboration and Cross-Department Leadership

The ideal candidate will excel at working across departments, including Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain, to bring products to market. You should be able to seamlessly integrate R&D efforts into the company’s broader strategic initiatives, ensuring that new products are developed and launched efficiently and effectively.

Commitment to Sustainability and Ethical Practices

The client values sustainability and ethical sourcing as part of its mission. You should have a commitment to developing environmentally friendly products and production methods, from sourcing ingredients to packaging. Experience in leading sustainability initiatives in R&D will be highly beneficial for this role.

Strong Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

The ability to communicate effectively with internal teams, senior leadership, and external stakeholders is key. The client seeks a Senior Director who can present research findings, product concepts, and market insights clearly, and foster strong relationships with key partners across the company. Your ability to secure buy-in for innovative ideas will be crucial in driving the company’s success in the healthy snacks market.

FAQs About the Role – Senior Director of Research and Development – Healthy Snacks

What are the key responsibilities of the Senior Director of Research and Development in this role?

As the Senior Director of R&D, you will lead the development and execution of the company’s research and innovation strategy for healthy snacks. This includes driving product innovation, overseeing the R&D team, managing the product development lifecycle, ensuring quality control, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. You will also be responsible for identifying new market opportunities, developing consumer-centric products, optimizing costs, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, you will play a key role in expanding the company’s product portfolio and enhancing its brand presence in the healthy snacks industry.
What qualifications and experience are required for this position?

The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in research and development within the food and snacks industry, with a strong focus on healthy products. A proven track record of leading R&D teams, launching new products, and managing the full product development process is essential. The client is looking for someone with expertise in consumer insights, food safety standards, and regulatory compliance. A degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field is preferred, and an advanced degree (such as a Master’s or Ph.D.) is a plus.
What leadership qualities are essential for this role?

The client seeks a dynamic and results-driven leader who can inspire and manage a diverse team of R&D professionals. You should possess excellent strategic thinking, decision-making, and communication skills, with the ability to build strong cross-functional partnerships. Strong problem-solving abilities, a passion for innovation, and a deep understanding of consumer trends are critical. Additionally, a focus on sustainability, quality, and ethical sourcing is essential for success in this role.
What challenges can I expect in this role?

As the Senior Director of R&D, you will face challenges such as staying ahead of market trends, meeting consumer demand for healthy and sustainable snacks, managing product development timelines, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. You may also encounter challenges in balancing innovation with cost efficiency and navigating the complexities of supply chain management. Leading a team to execute at a high level while maintaining product quality and sustainability goals will be essential.
What is the expected impact of the Senior Director of R&D on the company’s growth?

The Senior Director of R&D is expected to drive the company’s innovation strategy and significantly impact the growth of its healthy snacks product portfolio. Your ability to develop consumer-driven products, enhance the brand’s marketability, and ensure product quality will be key to expanding the company’s presence in the healthy snack market. The role directly contributes to increased market share, brand loyalty, and profitability through effective product development and execution.
What is the company’s culture and work environment like?

The company fosters a culture of collaboration, creativity, and innovation. They value leaders who encourage teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. The work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, offering opportunities for growth and professional development. The company is committed to sustainability, ethical practices, and consumer health, and this culture extends to all aspects of the business, including product development, sourcing, and marketing. You will have the opportunity to shape the R&D function and contribute to the company’s success in the growing healthy snacks sector.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Senior Director of Research and Development – Healthy Snacks, you can expect a competitive and comprehensive compensation package designed to reward top talent in the R&D and food industry. The remuneration for this role typically includes:

Base Salary

The base salary for the Senior Director of R&D varies based on the size and market position of the company. In this role, the annual base salary typically ranges from $150,000 to $250,000, depending on experience, the company’s size, and geographical location. Larger or high-growth companies may offer higher base salaries to attract the best talent.
Performance-Based Bonuses

In addition to the base salary, most compensation packages for R&D leaders include performance-based bonuses. These bonuses are typically linked to key business and product development metrics, such as successful product launches, revenue growth from new products, and operational efficiency. Performance-based bonuses can range from 15% to 40% of the base salary.
Equity & Stock Options

Many companies offer equity-based incentives, such as stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or performance shares. These equity incentives align your interests with the long-term success of the company, with potential for significant financial rewards. Depending on the company’s valuation, equity packages can represent a significant portion of your total compensation.
Profit-Sharing & Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)

Some companies offer profit-sharing or long-term incentive plans (LTIPs) to reward leaders for sustained, long-term performance. These programs incentivize continued growth and leadership and may offer additional financial rewards tied to the company’s ongoing success and profitability over multiple years.
Executive Benefits & Perks

As a Senior Director in a leadership position, you will also be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plans or pension plans with company contributions
- Executive retirement plans
- Company-provided vehicles or travel allowances
- Wellness and fitness programs
- Expense accounts for business-related travel and development
Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance

For highly qualified candidates, signing bonuses or relocation assistance packages may be offered to help with the transition into this role. These one-time incentives can range from $20,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the company and the candidate’s experience.

Total Compensation Potential

When factoring in base salary, performance bonuses, equity options, and other incentives, the total compensation for a Senior Director of R&D in the healthy snacks sector can range from $200,000 to $450,000 annually, with potential for even greater rewards in larger companies or rapidly expanding businesses.

How to Apply

If you are an innovative and results-driven leader with a passion for developing healthy snack products and a proven track record in Research and Development, we invite you to apply for the Senior Director of Research and Development – Healthy Snacks role in Orlando, FL. This is a unique opportunity to lead R&D efforts at the forefront of the healthy snacks industry, shaping the future of product innovation, consumer satisfaction, and sustainable growth.

To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter outlining your experience in R&D leadership, product development, and team management. Emphasize your success in bringing new healthy snacks to market, optimizing product formulations, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions. Be sure to include any experience in scaling products, meeting regulatory requirements, and driving innovation in a competitive market.

This is a high-impact leadership position where you will directly influence the future of the company’s product portfolio, sustainability initiatives, and brand presence. If you are ready to make a significant impact in the growing healthy snacks industry, we encourage you to apply for this exciting role today!

For additional details or to explore similar opportunities, visit our R&D Leadership Careers Page.

Job Category: Healthy Snacks

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Orlando

Senior Director of Research and Development – Orlando, FL | Healthy Snacks