Senior Director, Research & Development (R&D)

Michael Page; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance-based bonus

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a Senior Director of Research & Development to lead product innovation, formulation, and commercialization in a fast-growing food manufacturing environment. This executive will oversee the R&D function, build a high-performing team, and drive scalable processes across multiple channels.

The role requires 10+ years in R&D within food manufacturing, strong cross-functional leadership, and a strategic mindset to align development with business objectives and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Meat Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive R&D experience in food manufacturing or CPG.
• Proven success leading product development from concept to commercialization.
• Experience managing and developing R&D teams and technical professionals.
• Strong knowledge of food processing, formulation, commercialization, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in USDA and/or FDA regulated manufacturing environments.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders.
• Strong project management, communication, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development from concept through commercialization.
• Drive the innovation pipeline aligned with consumer trends and business goals.
• Develop and optimize formulations, processes, and specs for quality and profitability.
• Support continuous improvement across existing product lines.
• Collaborate with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Marketing, Sales and Finance.
• Lead plant trials, scale-up, and product launches for smooth transitions to production.
• Improve product performance, efficiency, and cost effectiveness with manufacturing partners.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, regulatory, and labeling requirements.

Skills

R&D leadership

Product development

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Communication

Leadership

USDA/FDA experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/related field

Tools

Stage-gate processes

Sensory evaluation tools

Job description

Our client is seeking a Senior Director of Research & Development to lead product innovation, formulation, and commercialization efforts across a diverse product portfolio. This executive leader will oversee the R&D function, drive new product development initiatives, and partner closely with cross‑functional teams to bring innovative products from concept to market while building a high‑performing team and scalable processes.

Our client is a rapidly growing food manufacturing organization focused on delivering innovative, high‑quality products to consumers across multiple channels. The company offers an entrepreneurial culture where leaders are empowered to drive change, influence strategy, and build scalable processes that support continued growth.

Client Details

Our client is a rapidly growing food manufacturing organization focused on delivering innovative, high‑quality products to consumers across multiple channels. The company offers an entrepreneurial culture where leaders are empowered to drive change, influence strategy, and build scalable processes that support continued growth.

Innovation & Product Development

• Lead the end‑to‑end product development process from concept through commercialization.
• Drive the innovation pipeline, identifying new product opportunities that align with consumer trends and business objectives.
• Develop and optimize formulations, processes, and product specifications to ensure products meet quality, regulatory, and profitability standards.
• Support continuous improvement efforts and product optimization initiatives across existing product lines.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, ingredients, and market trends to maintain a competitive advantage.
• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Marketing, Sales, and Finance to successfully commercialize new products.
• Lead plant trials, scale‑up activities, and product launches to ensure seamless transition from development to production.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to improve product performance, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
• Work with internal and external manufacturing partners to support business growth and product expansion.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable food safety, regulatory, and labeling requirements.

Commercialization & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Marketing, Sales, and Finance to successfully commercialize new products.
• Lead plant trials, scale‑up activities, and product launches to ensure seamless transition from development to production.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to improve product performance, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
• Work with internal and external manufacturing partners to support business growth and product expansion.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable food safety, regulatory, and labeling requirements.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build, mentor, and develop a high‑performing R&D team.
• Establish best practices, product development processes, and performance metrics to support organizational growth.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide strategic direction while remaining hands‑on in key development and commercialization efforts.
• Develop succession plans and talent strategies to ensure long‑term organizational success.

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to overall business strategy and growth initiatives.
• Develop and execute short‑and long‑term innovation roadmaps.
• Improve speed‑to‑market capabilities while maintaining quality and operational standards.
• Drive process improvements that support scalability and business performance.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

Profile

A successful Senior Director, Research & Development (R&D) should have:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Meat Science, Chemistry, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of progressive Research & Development experience within food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods.
• Demonstrated success leading product development from concept through commercialization.
• Experience managing and developing R&D teams and technical professionals.
• Strong knowledge of food processing, formulation, commercialization, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience working in USDA and/or FDA regulated manufacturing environments.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives and influence stakeholders across the organization.
• Strong project management, communication, and leadership skills.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in Food Science or related discipline.
• Experience with protein‑based, meat, poultry, or further‑processed food products.
• Background supporting co‑manufacturing or multi‑site manufacturing environments.
• Experience implementing structured product development processes and stage‑gate systems.
• Knowledge of sensory evaluation, consumer testing, and product lifecycle management tools.

Job Offer

• Competitive base salary
• Performance‑based bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing organization