R&D Director (Poultry)

Role Purpose:

The Director of R&D - Branded Products will lead the research and development function focused on innovative, high-quality poultry-based products under the company's branded portfolio. This role is responsible for driving new product development (NPD), improving existing offerings, and ensuring alignment with market trends, consumer preferences, regulatory standards, and sustainability goals. The Director will work cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial teams to deliver product innovation that drives brand growth and market leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership

  • Develop and execute the R&D strategy for branded poultry products aligned with business objectives.

  • Act as the technical voice in cross-functional leadership teams, providing insight into trends, feasibility, and product pipeline opportunities.

• New Product Development (NPD)

  • Lead the end-to-end development of new poultry products, from concept to commercialization.

  • Identify opportunities for category expansion, innovation, and health-forward formulations.

• Product & Process Innovation

  • Optimize formulations and production processes to enhance taste, texture, shelf-life, and cost-efficiency.

  • Drive continuous improvement across the branded portfolio using consumer insights and sensory evaluation.

• Team Leadership & Development

  • Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing R&D team including food scientists, technologists, and project managers.

  • Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Partner with Marketing and Sales to ensure products meet brand positioning and consumer expectations.

  • Collaborate with Supply Chain and Operations to ensure scalability and manufacturability.

• Compliance & Quality

  • Ensure all branded products meet regulatory, food safety, and quality standards across relevant markets.

  • Stay updated on industry regulations and ensure product labels and claims are compliant.

Key Requirements:

Education & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Meat Science, or related field (PhD preferred).

Experience:

• 10+ years in R&D roles within the food industry, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position.

• Proven track record in poultry or meat product development and commercialization.

• Experience working with branded consumer products and understanding of FMCG dynamics.

• Familiarity with global food trends, clean label initiatives, and functional ingredient systems.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and team management skills.

• Deep technical knowledge of poultry processing, formulation, and preservation.

• Proficiency in project management and stage-gate innovation processes.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Data-driven decision-making and consumer-focused innovation mindset.