Director, Innovation And R&D

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:

• Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Build and manage the innovation and brand change pipelines, ensuring a consistent flow of new ideas and cost savings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and operations, to translate consumer insights into tangible product concepts.
• Utilize market research, consumer insights, and trend analysis to inform product development strategies.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging food technologies.
• Oversee all aspects of product development, from initial concept through commercialization to market launch.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of product developers and product commercialization managers.
• Ensure product formulations meet company standards for quality, nutrition, compliance, safety, and cost.
• Manage stability testing, sensory evaluation, and consumer testing for new products.
• Drive the ideation and creation of innovative food and beverage products.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the business to ensure successful product launches.

Qualifications:

• Excellent problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of food processing, packaging technology, and food regulations.
• 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.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

Benefits & Perks:

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