Principal Scientist

Alpha Executive Search; Wisconsin; Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

A leading executive search firm is seeking a Director-level Principal Scientist to lead innovation in pasta filata cheeses. This role is pivotal in driving product development and technical leadership across the cheese portfolio. The ideal candidate has 5-10 years of R&D experience in dairy, a Master’s degree, and strong leadership and communication skills. Relocation assistance is provided for candidates from various locations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 - 10 years in Dairy R&D or technical services.
• Willingness to travel 50%+.
• Master's in Dairy or Food Science or related field.
• Proven leadership and strong communication skills.
• Willingness to travel 50% or more.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D strategy and innovation for pasta filata cheese products.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, ops, packaging, and category teams.
• Support IP strategy, quality initiatives, and capital project feasibility.
• 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

Ability to identify new technologies

Education

Master’s in Dairy/Food Science or related field

Job description

Overview

Executive Recruiter - Partnering World-Class Companies with Top-Tier Talent

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

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.

Multiple Location Options in CALIFORNIA OR WISCONSIN

Relocation assistance provided

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Additional 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

Note: The description includes other job postings and time-stamped opportunities which are not part of the Principal Scientist role and have been omitted to maintain focus on the core position.