Director of R&D

Position: Director of Research & Development (R&D)/ VP of R&D

Location: Fishers, IN

About Us: DairyChem is a leading innovator in the dairy flavor industry, committed to providing exceptional flavors and ingredients that inspire culinary creativity and satisfaction. Our mission is to push the boundaries of taste and texture, making every eating experience memorable. We are currently seeking a Director of R&D to lead our dynamic team towards new heights of innovation and excellence.

Role Summary: As the Director of R&D, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of dairy flavors. Your leadership will guide the R&D team in the development of groundbreaking products, optimizing current formulations, and exploring new technologies to meet and exceed market demands. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners will be crucial to fostering a culture of innovation and driving the company’s success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Strategy Development: Lead the R&D team, setting clear objectives and ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals. Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Innovation and Product Development: Drive the innovation pipeline, from concept to commercialization, ensuring the development of high-quality, competitive dairy flavor products. Stay ahead of industry trends and leverage insights to identify opportunities for new product development.
• Collaboration and Cross-Functional Teamwork: Work closely with Marketing, Sales, Production, and Quality Assurance teams to ensure seamless product development and launch. Engage in collaborative projects with external partners, including academic institutions and industry consortia, to enhance research capabilities and innovation potential.
• Technical Expertise and Problem Solving: Apply advanced knowledge of food science and dairy technologies to solve complex product development challenges. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and certifications relevant to dairy products and flavors.
• Process Optimization and Efficiency: Oversee the optimization of R&D processes and protocols to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality. Implement best practices in project management and product lifecycle management.

Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD in Food Science, Dairy Technology, or a related field.
• Knowledge of Dairy Flavors, Concentrates and the Technologies associated.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in R&D within the food industry, with a strong preference for expertise in dairy flavors or ingredients.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
• Strong track record of innovation and successful product development from conception to market launch.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with experience working in cross-functional teams and managing external partnerships.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and certifications related to food and dairy products.

What We Offer:

• A leadership role at the forefront of dairy flavor innovation.
• The opportunity to make a significant impact on the industry and contribute to the company’s growth and success.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment that values creativity, innovation, and personal growth.
• Competitive compensation package, including bonuses, health benefits, SEP and professional development opportunities.
• Stable company with long-term vision and committed management.

This is an opportunity to have an impact. This role will be leading the company into the next generation of innovation with opportunities to include new technologies and build upon a firm foundation.