Save Job Back to Search Job Description Summary Similar JobsBrand new position for a ~$1.6B food companyLead R&D across 10 brandsAbout Our ClientOur client is a rapidly growing, private equity-backed company with a portfolio of well-known brands in the consumer packaged food sector. Focused on quality, value, and trusted familiarity, the organization operates across multiple food categories, serving both retail and foodservice channels. The company is driving sustainable growth through a combination of product innovation, disciplined cost management, and strong, strategic customer partnerships.Job DescriptionA 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 & LeadershipPartner closely with commercial teams to translate consumer insights into scalable food innovationLead and unify a decentralized R&D organization across multiple sites and functionsDrive disciplined innovation processes to accelerate speed-to-market while maintaining margin integrityRetort Pipeline Development & CommercializationOwn end-to-end development of a pipeline of shelf-stable, retort-processed productsSolve complex thermal processing challenges (starch stability, pasta integrity, emulsification)Establish best practices for processing parameters, packaging integrity, and heat penetrationServe as the primary liaison with Process Authorities for validation of thermal processesMulti-Plant & Co-Manufacturer ManagementLead technical transfers and commercialization across internal plants and external partnersEvaluate and manage co-manufacturing relationships to expand capacity and flexibilityDrive continuous improvement initiatives, including cost optimization and ingredient innovationTechnical Governance & Food SafetyEnsure full compliance with FDA, USDA, and global food safety standards (SQF/BRC)Implement rigorous technical documentation across formulations, processes, and shelf-life validationThe Successful ApplicantBachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, or related discipline (advanced degree preferred)12-15+ years of progressive R&D leadership within large-scale CPG environments ($500M+)Deep expertise in low-acid canned foods and advanced retort processing technologiesStrong understanding of thermal processing principles and commercialization at scaleExperience across multiple manufacturing platforms (frozen, dry blending, etc.) preferredWillingness to travel regularly to manufacturing and partner locationsCommercially minded R&D leader with a strong focus on margin, scalability, and ROIProven ability to align cross-functional teams, including operations, commercial, and external partnersStrong communicator capable of driving an enterprise-wide innovation agendaWhat's on OfferHigh-profile, newly created role: Step into a brand-new, visible leadership position with a mandate to shape the future of the functionExecutive-level exposure: Partner directly with the executive leadership team, influencing enterprise strategy and growth prioritiesStrong ownership backing: Join a business supported by a successful private equity sponsor with a clear investment thesis and growth agendaPlatform-building opportunity: Play a key role in building and scaling a best-in-class organization within a high-growth CPG platformContactMichael O'ConnorQuote job refJN-062026-7037577Job summaryFunctionEngineering & ManufacturingSubsectorEngineering & Manufacturing SubsectorIndustryConsumer & RetailLocationChicagoContract typePermanentConsultant nameMichael O'ConnorJob referenceJN-062026-7037577
