Vice President of Research & Development (R&D) – CPG Industry – Indianapolis, IN

Are you an innovative leader with a passion for driving product innovation and technological advancement in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry? We are seeking a Vice President of Research & Development (R&D) to lead groundbreaking research, product innovation, and strategic R&D initiatives for a dynamic CPG company in Indianapolis, IN. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of product development, enhance brand competitiveness, and deliver cutting-edge solutions in a fast-paced market.

Lead R&D Innovation in the CPG Industry

A leading Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) company in Indianapolis, IN is on the hunt for a Vice President of Research & Development (R&D) to spearhead product innovation and technological strategies. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in R&D leadership within the CPG sector, along with a proven ability to drive innovation pipelines, optimize product performance, and ensure market responsiveness. If you are passionate about blending science, technology, and consumer insights to create winning products, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities of the Vice President of Research & Development (R&D) – Consumer Packaged Goods

R&D Strategy & Innovation:

Develop and execute a forward-thinking R&D strategy aligned with business goals and market trends.
Identify emerging technologies, ingredients, and product formulations to strengthen the company’s innovation pipeline.
Oversee research programs, from concept development to commercialization, ensuring products meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards.

Product Development:

Lead cross-functional teams to create and launch new products in response to evolving consumer preferences.
Optimize existing product lines through continuous improvement strategies, focusing on sustainability, cost efficiency, and performance enhancements.
Foster collaboration between R&D, marketing, and supply chain teams to deliver innovative, market-ready products.

Technology & Process Advancement:

Integrate cutting-edge technologies into product development, such as AI-driven formulation, sustainable packaging solutions, and ingredient innovation.
Implement best practices in R&D processes, including prototyping, testing, and quality assurance.
Ensure all R&D activities comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

Consumer Insights & Market Research:

Leverage consumer insights and market research to guide product innovation and identify unmet needs.
Monitor industry trends and competitor strategies to maintain a competitive edge.
Translate data into actionable product development strategies to drive brand growth and customer satisfaction.

Team Leadership & Talent Development:

Build and mentor a high-performing R&D team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and scientific excellence.
Develop talent pipelines by recruiting top scientific and technical experts.
Encourage continuous learning, innovation, and professional development within the team.

Budget & Resource Management:

Oversee the R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for research projects and innovation initiatives.
Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising product quality or innovation.
Collaborate with finance and executive leadership to align R&D investments with overall business objectives.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Vice President of Research & Development (R&D) – CPG Industry, the client seeks a visionary leader with a strong scientific foundation and strategic mindset. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of developing innovative products, enhancing R&D capabilities, and driving market growth through technology and research.

Proven R&D Leadership in the CPG Industry

Extensive experience leading R&D teams within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector.
Demonstrated success in launching new products, improving existing lines, and leveraging science and technology for competitive advantage.
Strong knowledge of product formulation, ingredient innovation, and regulatory compliance.

Strategic Thinker with a Passion for Innovation

The ability to craft and execute long-term R&D strategies focused on innovation pipelines and market-responsive products.
Expertise in identifying emerging trends, technologies, and materials to drive sustainable product development.
A track record of translating consumer insights into successful product innovations.

Strong Scientific and Technical Expertise

Advanced knowledge of food science, chemistry, biotechnology, or related fields relevant to CPG product development.
Hands-on experience with R&D processes, including prototyping, testing, and commercialization.
Familiarity with AI-driven product formulation, clean-label ingredients, and sustainable packaging technologies.

Effective Team Leadership and Collaboration

A dynamic leader skilled in building and motivating high-performing R&D teams.
Strong cross-functional collaboration experience, working closely with marketing, supply chain, and finance departments.
An advocate for a culture of innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Financial Acumen and Resource Management

Proficiency in managing R&D budgets, optimizing resource allocation, and aligning innovation investments with business growth strategies.
The ability to present R&D proposals, innovation roadmaps, and performance metrics to senior leadership and stakeholders.

FAQs About the Role – Vice President of Research & Development (R&D) – CPG Industry

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Vice President of R&D in this role?

The Vice President of Research & Development (R&D) will drive product innovation strategies, oversee new product development, and integrate cutting-edge technologies into the R&D process. The role includes managing R&D teams, leveraging consumer insights for product ideation, and aligning R&D investments with company goals.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?

The ideal candidate should have extensive R&D leadership experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, preferably with a background in food science, chemistry, biotechnology, or a related field. A proven track record of launching innovative products, managing R&D pipelines, and collaborating with cross-functional teams is essential. An advanced degree (MSc or PhD) is preferred.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?

The client seeks a strategic and innovation-driven leader with strong scientific expertise, team leadership skills, and the ability to translate research into market-ready products. Strong communication, financial acumen, and stakeholder collaboration are also critical for this position.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?

Challenges include staying ahead of rapidly changing consumer preferences, integrating sustainable technologies, managing R&D budgets, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Balancing innovation with cost-efficiency and speed-to-market will be key to success.

5. How will the Vice President of R&D impact the company’s growth?

This role directly influences product innovation, brand differentiation, and market competitiveness. By driving research excellence and aligning innovation strategies with business goals, the Vice President of R&D will play a pivotal part in expanding the company’s product portfolio and strengthening its market position.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Vice President of Research & Development (R&D) in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry based in Indianapolis, IN, you can expect a competitive compensation package tailored to attract top innovation and leadership talent. The remuneration for this role typically includes:

1. Base Salary

The base salary for a Vice President of R&D in the CPG industry depends on company size, product portfolio, and market presence. On average, the annual base salary ranges from $200,000 to $350,000, with larger or high-growth companies offering salaries on the higher end.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses

In addition to the base salary, most VP-level roles include annual performance bonuses tied to key innovation and business metrics, such as product development milestones, successful product launches, and revenue growth from new offerings. These bonuses typically range from 20% to 50% of the base salary, rewarding both individual and team performance.

3. Equity & Stock Options

Many CPG companies offer equity-based incentives, such as stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs), aligning R&D leadership’s compensation with long-term business success. Depending on company valuation and growth projections, equity grants can form a notable part of the total package, especially in publicly traded or high-growth companies.

4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)

Some companies provide long-term incentive plans to reward sustained innovation and strategic R&D impact. These plans may be tied to multi-year product development cycles, patent generation, or market success, offering additional financial incentives for achieving long-term goals.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks

As an executive leader, you can expect a suite of benefits, which may include:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) or pension plans with company contributions
Executive retirement plans
Research stipends for attending industry conferences and events
Company-provided technology and resources to support innovation
Travel allowances for business and research collaborations

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance

For top-tier candidates, companies may offer signing bonuses or relocation assistance to secure the right talent. These one-time incentives typically range from $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the company’s urgency and the candidate’s experience level.

Total Compensation Potential

When factoring in base salary, performance bonuses, equity, and long-term incentives, the total compensation for a Vice President of R&D in the CPG industry can range from $300,000 to $600,000 annually. High-performing individuals in innovative or fast-growing companies may see even more lucrative packages, especially if their work drives significant product success and revenue growth.

Would you like me to fine-tune this further based on a specific company’s size or focus area? Let me know! 🚀

How to Apply

If you are an innovative and results-driven leader with a strong background in Research & Development (R&D) within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, we invite you to apply for the Vice President of Research & Development (R&D) – CPG Industry role in Indianapolis, IN. This is a unique opportunity to drive product innovation, enhance R&D strategies, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions in the CPG space.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your expertise in R&D leadership, product development, innovation strategy, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional team collaboration. Highlight your ability to develop breakthrough products, improve formulation processes, drive sustainability initiatives, and lead teams in a fast-paced, competitive industry.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to influence the future of product innovation and technology in the CPG sector while enhancing consumer experiences and driving business growth. Apply today to take the next step in your career as a Vice President of Research & Development (R&D) – CPG Industry in Indianapolis, IN!

For more information or to explore similar opportunities, visit our CPG Executive Recruiters Page.

Job Category: CPG Industry

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Indianapolis

Vice President of Research & Development (R&D) – CPG Industry – Indianapolis, IN