Principal Scientist

Alpha Executive Search; Minnesota; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k)

Job summary

A leading dairy processor in the United States seeks a Director-level Principal Scientist to lead innovation in pasta filata cheeses. Responsibilities include driving R&D strategy, identifying new technologies, and collaborating across teams. The ideal candidate has 5-10 years in Dairy R&D, hands-on experience with pasta filata cheese development, and a Master's in Dairy/Food Science. This full-time position offers relocation assistance and requires a willingness to travel 50%+.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 - 10 years in Dairy R&D or technical services.
• Willingness to travel 50%+.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D strategy and innovation for pasta filata cheese products.
• Identify new technologies to enhance quality, yield, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, ops, packaging, and category teams.
• Build strategic partnerships with suppliers, universities, and industry groups.
• Support IP strategy, quality initiatives, and capital project feasibility.

Skills

Hands-on experience with pasta filata cheese development

Leadership skills

Strong communication skills

Dairy R&D experience

Education

Master’s in Dairy/Food Science or related field

Job description

Job Title

Principal Scientist, R&D – Director-Level | Cheese Innovation

Overview

Join a top 10 global dairy processor as a Director-level Principal Scientist leading innovation in pasta filata cheeses (string, mozzarella, provolone). This is a key strategic role driving product development, process optimization, and technical leadership across the cheese portfolio.

Location

Multiple Location Options in CALIFORNIA OR WISCONSIN. Relocation to California or Wisconsin required — assistance provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead R&D strategy and innovation for pasta filata cheese products.
• Identify new technologies to enhance quality, yield, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, ops, packaging, and category teams.
• Build strategic partnerships with suppliers, universities, and industry groups.
• Support IP strategy, quality initiatives, and capital project feasibility.

What You Bring

• Must have hands-on experience with pasta filata cheese development (string, mozzarella, provolone).
• Have a minimum of 5 - 10 years in DAIRY R&D or technical services.
• Master’s in Dairy/Food Science or related field.
• Proven leadership and strong communication skills.
• Willingness to travel 50%+.

Drive innovation. Lead change. Shape the future of cheese.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Research, Product Management, and Science
• Industries: Dairy Product Manufacturing and Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• 401(k)