Principal Scientist

Alpha Executive Search; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance provided

Job summary

A global dairy processor is seeking a Director-level Principal Scientist for R&D in pasta filata cheeses. This role requires hands-on experience in cheese development and a Master's in Dairy/Food Science. The Principal Scientist will lead innovation and collaborate across various teams while providing strategic leadership. Relocation assistance is available for candidates in California or Wisconsin.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 - 10 years in Dairy R&D or technical services.
• Willingness to travel 50%+.
• Proven leadership and strong communication skills.
• 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

Dairy R&D or technical services

Proven leadership

Strong communication skills

Education

Master’s in Dairy/Food Science or related field

Job description

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

Multiple Location Options in CALIFORNIA OR WISCONSIN

RELOCATION to CA or WI Required - ASSISTANCE PROVIDED

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.

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.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Research, Product Management, and Science

Industries

• Dairy Product Manufacturing and Food and Beverage Manufacturing