Senior Director, Research and Development - Product Development, Innovation, and Citrus Quality

Job Summary

The Senior Director, R&D and Product Development – North America will lead innovation, cost engineering, design-to-consumer value, and ecosystem initiatives across North America. This role will drive strategic product development efforts, ensuring alignment with consumer insights and business objectives while fostering collaboration across global teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead North America Product Development strategy, ensuring innovation and cost optimization align with both R&D global strategy and overall organizational goals.
• Leads the Citrus Quality Team, researching and unlocking foundational science around Orange varietals, blend management, and delivering a competitive specification in taste and preference.
• Oversee development of new products and reformulations to meet consumer needs and regulatory requirements.
• Drive design-to-value initiatives to enhance product competitiveness and profitability.
• Manage ecosystem partnerships across suppliers, university research partners, and technology start-up partners to accelerate the advancement of new technologies to drive innovation and leverage external capabilities.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of up to 5 direct report people leaders, including Product Innovation, Design to Value, Technology Innovation, and Citrus Quality teams.
• Collaborate across all R&D functions including Process and Package Engineering, Governance, Nutrition and Regulatory, and Food Safety and Quality, as well as cross-functional teams (Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain) to ensure seamless product launches in Stage / Gate Meetings, Portfolio Management Review and in strategic sessions.
• Presenting directly to the CEO and the Executive Committee on Innovation, Citrus Quality, and on long term innovation.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and scientific excellence.

Requirements

• 15+ years of progressive experience in R&D and product development within the food and beverage industry.
• Proven track record of leading innovation and cost engineering initiatives at scale.
• Strong background in consumer-centric product design and commercialization.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and fostering talent development.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cross-functional alignment.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance and quality standards in North America.
• Bachelor’s degree preferably in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field OR minimum 15 years of relevant experience.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.
• Must be located in the Chicago, IL surrounding area or willing to relocate for the duration of employment.
• Willingness to adapt and thrive in a blended work environment with 3-days in office, seamlessly transitioning between remote work and in-office operations.
• Travel up to 20%.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Medical, dental, vision, company provided life, STD and LTD insurance
• Voluntary life, accident, hospital, and critical illness coverages