Job Description
A key mandate of this role is to design and scale a new pipeline of retort-processed products, acting as the architect for expansion into complex, shelf-stable meal solutions. The ideal candidate combines visionary innovation leadership with deep expertise in low-acid canned food (LACF) development and experience working with USDA meat products.
This individual will bridge R&D, marketing, and operations to deliver commercially viable, technically sound, and scalable product innovation.
This role reports directly to the Chief Commercial Officer and works closely with executive leadership and the company's ownership group.
Commercial Pipeline Alignment & Leadership
1. Partner closely with commercial teams to translate consumer insights into scalable food innovation
2. Lead and unify a decentralized R&D organization across multiple sites and functions
3. Drive disciplined innovation processes to accelerate speed-to-market while maintaining margin integrity
Retort Pipeline Development & Commercialization
4. Own end-to-end development of a pipeline of shelf-stable, retort-processed products
5. Solve complex thermal processing challenges (starch stability, pasta integrity, emulsification)
6. Establish best practices for processing parameters, packaging integrity, and heat penetration
7. Serve as the primary liaison with Process Authorities for validation of thermal processes
Multi-Plant & Co-Manufacturer Management
8. Lead technical transfers and commercialization across internal plants and external partners
9. Evaluate and manage co-manufacturing relationships to expand capacity and flexibility
10. Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including cost optimization and ingredient innovation
Technical Governance & Food Safety
11. Ensure full compliance with FDA, USDA, and global food safety standards (SQF/BRC)
12. Implement rigorous technical documentation across formulations, processes, and shelf-life validation