Associate Director, Ingredient Development

Responsibilities

• Lead ingredient product development, evaluation, commercialization, and supplier onboarding
• Develop a new ingredient roadmap in collaboration with culinary and brand teams
• Oversee Product Investment budgets and ensure delivery against cost and timeline objectives
• Lead the end-to-end stage gate process for ingredient commercialization
• Ensure projects align with regulatory compliance, including labeling and allergen management
• Develop and manage supplier sensory scorecards, specifications, and onboarding requirements
• Maintain the master data repository for supplier and ingredient data
• Cultivate and lead high-performing culinary and data-focused teams

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in food or beverage R&D, product development, or continuous improvement
• Knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, and food safety compliance
• Familiarity with FDA/USDA ingredient regulations and labeling requirements
• Proven track record of product innovation and leadership in cross-functional stage gate processes
• Experience managing test kitchen operations and sample preparation
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills with expertise in G-Suite, Excel, and project management systems
• Experience managing and leading direct and indirect reports
• Ability to travel up to 10%

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in food science or a related field
• People leadership experience

Benefits

• Competitive salary and 401k with immediate vesting
• Generous PTO, including sabbatical and 16 weeks of parental leave
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits with $0 monthly options
• Tuition reimbursement after 2 years of service
• Up to 85% discount on meal plan subscriptions
• Access to Employee Resource Groups