Director, Innovation and R&D

Company: Alani Nu
Location: Louisville
Posted on: May 28, 2023

Job Description:

Our Company:Congo Brands is at the epicenter of where consumer demand meets product development. Through brand partnerships with lead influencers, we are afforded an inside look at what consumers truly desire. E-commerce becomes the laboratory for consumer feedback and serves as a data pool for future retail endeavors.The Role:At Congo Brands we are committed to delivering the highest quality and safest products to our customers. Congo Brands is seeking an experienced, creative, and strategic leader for the role of Director of Innovation and R&D within our Food and Beverage company. This role is a key driver in designing, planning, and implementing new product development strategies in line with our business goals and consumer needs. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a cross-functional team to ideate, develop, test, and bring to market innovative food and beverage products.Key Responsibilities:--- Drive the ideation and creation of innovative food and beverage products.--- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and operations, to translate consumer insights into tangible product concepts.--- Build and manage the innovation and brand change pipelines, ensuring a consistent flow of new ideas and cost savings.--- Oversee all aspects of product development, from initial concept through commercialization to market launch.--- Ensure product formulations meet company standards for quality, nutrition, compliance, safety, and cost.--- Manage stability testing, sensory evaluation, and consumer testing for new products.--- Utilize market research, consumer insights, and trend analysis to inform product development strategies.--- Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging food technologies.--- Lead, coach, and develop a team of product developers and product commercialization managers.--- Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.--- Collaborate with stakeholders across the business to ensure successful product launches.Qualifications:--- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.--- Minimum of 10 years of experience in a similar role within the food and beverage industry, with a proven track record of successful product launches.--- Strong knowledge of food processing, packaging technology, and food regulations.--- Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.--- Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.--- Excellent problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, and attention to detail.Benefits & Perks:

• Competitive Salary
• Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability, HSA / FSA / Dependent Care FSA
• 3 weeks PTO + 8 paid holidays
• 6 weeks paid parental leave
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Free product
• AND MUCH MORE

Keywords: Alani Nu, Louisville , Director, Innovation and R&D, Executive , Louisville, Kentucky