About the Role:

The Sr. Scientist, Research & Development (Meat) will report to the Vice President of Research & Development and will be a key technical leader within the organization. This individual will be instrumental in driving key long-term R&D projects while also supporting our mission to deliver best-in-class speed to market and quality of new innovations. In this role, you will work on complex technical challenges, collaborate with internal and external partners, and apply your deep knowledge of meat products, processing, and safety to guide research & development and to create best-in-class products that delight our consumers and set new standards of what is possible in the categories that we choose to enter.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Technical Innovation & Research:

• Lead the evaluation and qualification of new ingredients, including novel and functional ingredients, to focus on driving clean-label standards for value-added meat products without compromising performance.
• Identify and translate emerging meat science and technology trends into actionable, long-term innovation platforms.
• Establish / manage strategic development meat projects with third-party research partners, including ingredient suppliers, independent R&D organizations, and academic institutions, to accelerate innovation.
• Be a subject matter meat science expert, providing insights / guidance to cross-functional teams on formulation, processing, and ingredient functionality.

Product Development and Commercialization:

• Advise on complex new product development projects from concept through commercialization, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of meat science, formulation, and manufacturing processes and ensuring products meet quality, sensory, and shelf-life standards.
• Collaborate closely with Commercialization, Innovation, Operations, and Quality teams to ensure the seamless launch of new products.

Product Optimization and Quality Enhancement:

• Support long-term product optimization projects focused on enhancing quality, scalability, clean-label standards, and flavor.
• Lead technical initiatives to improve product performance, including shelf-stability and freshness, across our diverse portfolio.
• Apply scientific principles to troubleshoot and resolve complex product, sourcing, or production challenges.
• Partner with the Sourcing and Operations teams to identify and approve alternative ingredients and process improvements that enhance efficiency without compromising quality.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Coordination:

• Partner closely with cross-functional leaders (e.g., Innovation, Commercialization, Operations, and Quality) to drive project alignment.
• Provide clear communication on risks / opportunities to senior leadership.
• Act as a champion for the R&D process, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What You Bring To The Table:

Skills and Experience

• 8-10 years of hands-on R&D and / or product development experience in the CPG food and / or ingredients industry.
• Deep knowledge of meat microbiology, animal physiology, and meat processing.
• Strong knowledge of USDA/FSIS, HACCP, and other food safety systems.
• Proven experience managing complex technical projects using a robust project / product lifecycle process.
• Demonstrated experience in working across the product development lifecycle, from benchtop formulation to full-scale commercialization.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical projects and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Master’s Degree in Meat Science, Animal Science, or Food Science

Personal Characteristics:

• Growth mindset with an excitement to learn (and teach).
• Passionate people-lover excited by the opportunity to build strong relationships with teammates and consumers.
• Low ego with a strong sense of humility.
• Thrive in a dynamic, lean, and agile environment.
• Collaborative mindset with an ability to find creative solutions.
• Self-starter who takes initiative and is willing to speak their mind.
• Excited to be part of a fast-moving team with the ability to be a leader and a follower where required.
• Enjoy making decisions and finding ways to say ‘yes’ as often as possible to impactful and important priorities.

  Location and Travel:

The position will be based onsite in Walnut Creek, CA. We strongly believe in the power of culture and community and have a hybrid work structure with 4 days in the office on a weekly basis to encourage collaboration and personal connections that will allow us to better serve our customers and consumer and to have more fun. Fridays are flex days with employees having the opportunity to choose to be either in the office or to work from home based on what makes most sense for them.

Pay Transparency:

The expected starting salary range for this role is $160,000- $190,000 per year. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance and business needs.

About the Role:

The Director of Research & Development at Kinder's will play a pivotal role in leading a team that drives product innovation projects. Reporting to the VP of Research & Development, you will be responsible for the technical and people management of a team of managers and product developers, focusing on bringing best-in-class products to market with industry-leading speed. In this multifaceted role, you will collaborate with internal teams, cross-functional stakeholders, and third-party partners to execute key innovation projects. You will be responsible for supporting a world-class team, with a flexible approach that can easily transition between coaching / mentorship and a hands-on style where necessary.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Research & Development Management & Leadership:

• Drive the end-to-end development of innovation projects from concept to commercialization.
• Support the commercial scale-up of new products, ensuring a seamless transition from development to launch.
• Partner with key internal stakeholders (Operations, Innovation, Project Management) to identify development priorities and translate them into an aggressive, cohesive and attainable project plan.
• Ensure market-leading speed to market and volume of innovation, while delivering against the high-quality standards of the brand.
• Build a culture of strong technical design including application of design-for-manufacturability and design-for-margin principles.
• Partner with Innovation and Finance teams to identify and prioritize key opportunities to drive improved product margins while sustaining or increasing product quality.
• Lead the team in the renovation of key existing products to improve cost, quality, and overall consumer value.

Process Leadership and Documentations:

• Lead the review and maintenance of all product documentation, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for key internal and external partners.
• Effectively communicate product specifications and critical information to commercialization partners, including creative/packaging design teams, the quality department, and key external partners (including co-packers).
• Drive a project hindsight process to capture key insights and incorporate them into future project team briefing and project prioritization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Team Leadership:

• Lead and mentor a team of managers and product developers, guiding key projects supporting the innovation product platforms of the business.
• Partner closely with cross-functional leaders (e.g., Innovation, Operations, Quality, Portfolio, and Finance) to drive project alignment and ensure successful delivery of key programs.
• Facilitate project team meetings, create and present status reports, and provide clear communication on project risks and opportunities to departmental and senior leadership.
• Act as a champion for the Research & Development process, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What You Bring To The Table:

Education / Experience

• 10-12+ years of experience in research & development, innovation management, or a similar field. CPG experience, including at least some advanced experience in food development required.
• Proven experience leading the development and commercial scale-up of key line extensions and product renovations.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams including both internal and external stakeholders.
• Consumer-obsessed innovator with a passion for turning consumer needs into high value product solutions.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing product development and commercialization strategies.
• Data-driven mindset, with the ability to analyze efficiently and make data-backed decisions quickly.
• Proven people-centric leader with an emphasis on driving performance through culture and mentorship.
• Bachelor's degree. Technical degree (e.g. food science, chemistry /engineering, etc.), while not required, is a significant plus.

Personal Characteristics:

• Growth mindset with an excitement to learn (and teach).
• Passionate people-lover excited by the opportunity to build strong relationships with teammates and consumers.
• Low ego with a strong sense of humility.
• Thrive in a dynamic, lean, and agile environment.
• Collaborative mindset with an ability to find creative solutions.
• Self-starter who takes initiative and is willing to speak their mind.
• Excited to be part of a fast-moving team with the ability to be a leader and a follower where required.
• Enjoy making decisions and finding ways to say ‘yes’ as often as possible to impactful and important priorities.

  Location and Travel:

The position will be based onsite in Walnut Creek, CA. We strongly believe in the power of culture and community and have a hybrid work structure with 4 days in the office on a weekly basis to encourage collaboration and personal connections that will allow us to better serve our customers and consumer and to have more fun. Fridays are flex days with employees having the opportunity to choose to be either in the office or to work from home based on what makes most sense for them. Travel will be required for this role to meet with potential and existing partners.

Pay Transparency:

The expected starting salary range for this role is $200,000- $235,000 per year. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance and business needs.

What We Are Looking For:

At Kinder’s, we’re passionate about creating food that brings people together. The Senior Manager, Research & Development will be responsible for leading the development and execution of new and improved products across retail, club, and foodservice channels. This role will drive product formulation, process development, and innovation from concept through commercialization, ensuring every product meets Kinder’s high standards for taste, quality, and scalability. 

This is an exciting opportunity to play a hands-on leadership role in a growing, values-driven food brand — partnering cross-functionally to deliver consumer-loved innovation that fuels Kinder’s continued success. 

What You'll Be Doing:

Lead Product Development

• Manage the end-to-end product development process — from concept ideation to launch — ensuring alignment with brand priorities, timelines, and cost objectives. 

Drive Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and execute opportunities for innovation, renovation, and cost optimization across Kinder’s portfolio, leveraging emerging ingredients, technologies, and process improvements. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Operations, Marketing, Culinary, and Supply Chain to translate consumer insights into technically feasible, scalable, and commercially viable products. 

Technical Execution & Scale-Up

• Lead formulation work, pilot plant trials, and production scale-ups to ensure robust transfer from bench to manufacturing. 
• Troubleshoot issues and optimize for quality and consistency. 

Project Management

• Manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and communication are clear and on track.
• Maintain visibility to leadership through status updates and documentation. 

Regulatory & Quality Alignment

• Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Regulatory teams to ensure product compliance with ingredient standards, labeling requirements, and nutritional accuracy. 

Team Development

• Mentor and develop junior food scientists and technicians, fostering a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and accountability within the R&D team. 

What You Bring to the Table:

Skills and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred). 
• 10+ years of experience in food product development, with at least 3+ years in a people or project leadership role. 
• Proven success in CPG innovation; sauces, seasonings, or condiments experience preferred. 
• Strong technical knowledge of formulation, ingredient functionality, sensory evaluation, and scale-up. 
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities. 
• Effective communicator and collaborator across multiple functions and levels. 
• Passion for great food and consumer-driven innovation. 
• MUST BE ABLE TO TRAVEL UP TO 25%

Personal Characteristics:

• Results-oriented, hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. 
• Collaborative and influential communicator who builds trust across teams. 
• Curious, resourceful, and solution-oriented with strong attention to detail. 
• Committed to quality, integrity, and continuous improvement. 

Things About the Way We Work:

• No two days here are the same.
• We try to be good team members and good communicators, but we don’t live by hierarchy and structure – everyone is a difference maker here.
• We make a lot of decisions in the face of incomplete information – our team embrace ambiguity and tries to make good decisions fast rather than great decisions slow.
• We believe our job is to take smart risk, not to eliminate risk.
• We believe in growing our skills and becoming a better company with more managerial expertise, but we are an entrepreneurial company at heart.
• We aren’t trying to be average – we want to do exceptional things and we are willing to work hard to achieve them.

The expected starting salary range for this role is $150,000- $165,000 per year. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance and business needs.