Chosen Foods
Marketing - Director, Product Development (R&D)
Chosen Foods, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Overview
The Chosen Foods story began with the 100% Pure Avocado Oil and has grown into America’s #1 Avocado Oil. We celebrate the taste, health, and versatility of avocado-based foods, including oil, mayos, dressings, and more. We believe in real food to nourish people and communities, and we are excited to chat about creating the future of avocado-based foods with someone who shares a passion for innovation and growth.
Job Summary The Director of Product Development (R&D)
plays a critical role in driving Chosen Foods’ innovation strategy—leading product development from concept through commercialization and beyond. This role leads formulation efforts, manages external partners, ensures technical excellence, and integrates culinary creativity with rigorous food science. You will deliver a three-year innovation roadmap, lead renovation initiatives, and ensure product quality, compliance, and deliciousness at every step. This role requires a strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can work cross-functionally across Marketing, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and more.
Responsibilities
Lead the technical execution of Chosen Foods’ 3-year innovation roadmap, including new product launches and renovations.
Translate consumer insights, culinary trends, and brand objectives into breakthrough product ideas that align with Chosen’s food philosophy and innovation KPIs.
Lead and execute formulation development internally, while effectively identifying and managing third-party R&D and culinary partners when needed.
Partner with Operations and Quality to ensure all products meet expectations for taste, texture, shelf-life, food safety, and manufacturing scalability.
Lead packaging development for new and existing condiment products, ensuring solutions meet functional performance, food safety, sustainability goals, and brand standards across all channels (retail, e-commerce, club).
Manage the R&D budget, including allocation for plant trials, exploratory development projects, and external consultants.
Champion the Stage-Gate process, ensuring timely and disciplined execution of projects that align with business goals.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Finance, Insights, Marketing, and Supply Chain to ensure strategic alignment and successful product commercialization.
Foster technical and culinary creativity, encouraging experimentation, iteration, and a consumer-first mindset.
Supervisory Responsibilities
R&D Consultants, Culinary Consultants
Key Relationships
Internal: Marketing Innovation, Project Management, Procurement, Quality, Operations
External: Co-manufacturers, R&D & Culinary Consultants, Ingredient and Packaging Suppliers
Professional Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in food science or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
8–10+ years of experience in CPG product development with proven success in taking products from concept to shelf.
Deep technical expertise in fats, emulsions, and their applications in food systems.
Experience with condiments, sauces, dressings, or related food categories is required.
Proven ability to integrate culinary inspiration with technical formulation expertise.
Track record of leading transformational innovation that has delivered real business impact.
Strategic influencers who can set a clear vision, lead cross-functional teams, and drive results through collaboration.
Excellent communicator — able to distill complex ideas and data into actionable narratives for all levels of the organization.
Strong packaging development knowledge, working closely with suppliers and internal partners to create functional, innovative, and brand-aligned packaging solutions.
Passion for food, innovation, and building a brand with purpose.
Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to handle or feel, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment Work is performed inside a temperature-controlled office building with an open floor plan. This role operates in a professional office environment with a business casual dress code. The role will routinely utilize standard office equipment and may require the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Dedication to DEI&B Chosen Foods is committed to building a more diverse and inclusive environment representing all backgrounds, experiences, and lifestyles, enabling all employees to feel comfortable being their authentic selves in a space that enables productivity and meaningful work.
Equal Opportunity Statement Chosen Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. We are dedicated to ensuring a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, and we actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
E-Verify Participation Notice Chosen Foods participates in E-Verify. We will provide information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to the SSA and, if necessary, the DHS, to confirm work authorization. For more information about E-Verify, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/e-verify. Chosen Foods is committed to maintaining a legal and compliant workforce and complying with all federal and state employment eligibility requirements.
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Job Summary The Director of Product Development (R&D)
plays a critical role in driving Chosen Foods’ innovation strategy—leading product development from concept through commercialization and beyond. This role leads formulation efforts, manages external partners, ensures technical excellence, and integrates culinary creativity with rigorous food science. You will deliver a three-year innovation roadmap, lead renovation initiatives, and ensure product quality, compliance, and deliciousness at every step. This role requires a strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can work cross-functionally across Marketing, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and more.
Responsibilities
Lead the technical execution of Chosen Foods’ 3-year innovation roadmap, including new product launches and renovations.
Translate consumer insights, culinary trends, and brand objectives into breakthrough product ideas that align with Chosen’s food philosophy and innovation KPIs.
Lead and execute formulation development internally, while effectively identifying and managing third-party R&D and culinary partners when needed.
Partner with Operations and Quality to ensure all products meet expectations for taste, texture, shelf-life, food safety, and manufacturing scalability.
Lead packaging development for new and existing condiment products, ensuring solutions meet functional performance, food safety, sustainability goals, and brand standards across all channels (retail, e-commerce, club).
Manage the R&D budget, including allocation for plant trials, exploratory development projects, and external consultants.
Champion the Stage-Gate process, ensuring timely and disciplined execution of projects that align with business goals.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Finance, Insights, Marketing, and Supply Chain to ensure strategic alignment and successful product commercialization.
Foster technical and culinary creativity, encouraging experimentation, iteration, and a consumer-first mindset.
Supervisory Responsibilities
R&D Consultants, Culinary Consultants
Key Relationships
Internal: Marketing Innovation, Project Management, Procurement, Quality, Operations
External: Co-manufacturers, R&D & Culinary Consultants, Ingredient and Packaging Suppliers
Professional Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in food science or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
8–10+ years of experience in CPG product development with proven success in taking products from concept to shelf.
Deep technical expertise in fats, emulsions, and their applications in food systems.
Experience with condiments, sauces, dressings, or related food categories is required.
Proven ability to integrate culinary inspiration with technical formulation expertise.
Track record of leading transformational innovation that has delivered real business impact.
Strategic influencers who can set a clear vision, lead cross-functional teams, and drive results through collaboration.
Excellent communicator — able to distill complex ideas and data into actionable narratives for all levels of the organization.
Strong packaging development knowledge, working closely with suppliers and internal partners to create functional, innovative, and brand-aligned packaging solutions.
Passion for food, innovation, and building a brand with purpose.
Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to handle or feel, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment Work is performed inside a temperature-controlled office building with an open floor plan. This role operates in a professional office environment with a business casual dress code. The role will routinely utilize standard office equipment and may require the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Dedication to DEI&B Chosen Foods is committed to building a more diverse and inclusive environment representing all backgrounds, experiences, and lifestyles, enabling all employees to feel comfortable being their authentic selves in a space that enables productivity and meaningful work.
Equal Opportunity Statement Chosen Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. We are dedicated to ensuring a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, and we actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
E-Verify Participation Notice Chosen Foods participates in E-Verify. We will provide information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to the SSA and, if necessary, the DHS, to confirm work authorization. For more information about E-Verify, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/e-verify. Chosen Foods is committed to maintaining a legal and compliant workforce and complying with all federal and state employment eligibility requirements.
#J-18808-Ljbffr