Role Overview for VP R&D & Innovation with a Better-for-You Snack Company–Atlanta ,GA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, high-growth leader in the better-for-you snack industry. Our client is on a mission to revolutionize snacking by creating delicious, innovative products that are both wholesome and crave-worthy. With a commitment to clean ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and exceptional taste, they have captured the hearts and minds of health-conscious consumers nationwide. As they enter a new phase of accelerated growth and market expansion, they are seeking a visionary and results-driven Vice President of Research & Development and Innovation to join their executive leadership team in Atlanta, GA.
This is a transformative opportunity for a seasoned R&D leader to shape the future of a beloved brand. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the VP of R&D & Innovation will be the strategic architect and hands-on leader of the company’s entire innovation engine. You will be responsible for setting the product development vision, managing the innovation pipeline from ideation to commercialization, and building a world-class R&D team. The ideal candidate is a ‘bench-to-boardroom’ leader—someone who is as comfortable formulating in the lab as they are presenting a multi-year innovation strategy to the board. You are a creative food scientist at heart, with a sharp business acumen and a proven track record of launching successful, category-defining products in the CPG food space. This role is pivotal to the company’s long-term success, requiring a leader who can inspire creativity, drive technical excellence, and translate consumer insights into market-winning products.
Key Responsibilities of VP R&D & Innovation with a Better-for-You Snack Company–Atlanta ,GA
Strategic Innovation Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term R&D and innovation strategy that aligns with the company’s brand promise and aggressive growth objectives. Identify and champion new product platforms, white-space opportunities, and disruptive technologies to secure a competitive advantage.
New Product Development (NPD) Pipeline Management
Oversee the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from initial concept and feasibility testing through formulation, scale-up, and commercialization. Implement and manage a robust stage-gate process to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
Recruit, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of food scientists, product developers, and technicians. Foster a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative culture that encourages curiosity, experimentation, and continuous improvement. Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and champion professional development for your team.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key partner to the executive team and collaborate seamlessly with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Finance. Work closely with Marketing to translate consumer insights and market trends into a tangible product pipeline. Partner with Operations to ensure seamless scale-up and manufacturing feasibility, and with Finance to build strong business cases for new initiatives.
Technical & Formulation Excellence
Lead the technical development of new products and the renovation of existing product lines. Drive efforts in clean-label formulation, ingredient optimization, sensory analysis, and shelf-life testing to deliver superior taste, texture, and nutritional profiles.
Quality, Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Ensure all product development activities, formulations, and labeling adhere to the highest standards of food safety and regulatory compliance (FDA, USDA, etc.). Maintain meticulous documentation and oversee the development of product specifications, nutritional panels, and ingredient statements.
Technology & Ingredient Scouting
Stay at the forefront of emerging food science, ingredient technology, processing advancements, and packaging innovations. Build and maintain a strong network of external partners, including ingredient suppliers, co-manufacturers, and university researchers, to fuel the innovation pipeline.
Budget & Resource Management
Develop and manage the annual R&D department budget, ensuring strategic allocation of resources to prioritize key projects and maximize return on investment. Provide regular updates to the executive team on project status and departmental performance.
Requirements for the VP R&D & Innovation with a Better-for-You Snack Company–Atlanta ,GA
Educational Background
A Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field is required. A Master’s or Ph.D. is highly preferred.
Executive R&D Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in Research & Development within the CPG food and beverage industry. At least 7-10 years of experience in a senior leadership role (Director or VP level) with a proven track record of building and managing high-performing R&D teams.
Industry-Specific Expertise
Direct experience in the snack food category is essential. Demonstrated success in the ‘better-for-you,’ natural, or organic food space is strongly preferred. Experience with various food platforms such as baking, extrusion, and enrobing is highly desirable.
Commercialization Success
A proven track record of successfully leading multiple product development projects from concept to commercialization, resulting in significant revenue growth and market share gains.
Technical Acumen
Deep expertise in food chemistry, ingredient functionality, sensory evaluation, and food processing. Must have a deep understanding of food safety regulations and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), nutritional labeling laws, and product claim substantiation.
Strategic & Business Mindset
Ability to think strategically and translate broad business goals into a clear, actionable innovation roadmap. Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and building business cases.
Leadership Qualities
An inspirational and collaborative leader with exceptional executive presence. A ‘player-coach’ mentality with a willingness to roll up your sleeves. Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Personal Attributes
An entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for food, health, and wellness. Must be adaptable, resilient, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and growth-oriented environment. Possesses a high degree of intellectual curiosity and a drive for continuous learning.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Competitive Executive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Meaningful Equity
A substantial equity stake in the company, providing the opportunity to share directly in the value you help create.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents, along with wellness programs and resources.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to company-paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate to move to the vibrant Atlanta, GA area.
Additional Perks
Employee product discounts, a collaborative and energetic work environment, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on a rapidly growing, mission-driven brand.
How to Apply
This is a retained search exclusively managed by JRG Partners. If you are a passionate, innovative, and results-oriented R&D leader ready to make your mark on the future of the snack industry, we want to hear from you. The opportunity to lead innovation for a brand at the forefront of the health and wellness movement is rare and incredibly rewarding.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership philosophy. JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the food and beverage industry. To learn more about our expertise, please visit GLP-1 & Better-for-You Food Innovation practice area. We look forward to connecting with you and exploring this exciting journey together.
