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Giorgio Foods Inc.

R&D Manager

Giorgio Foods Inc., Blandon, Pennsylvania, United States, 19510

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R&D Manager

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Giorgio Foods Inc. . Giorgi Global Holdings, Inc. (GGHI) is a privately held, diversified consumer products company with approximately 10,000 employees and operations in 18 countries. GGHI's subsidiary, Giorgio Foods Inc., is a leader in the production and distribution of mushroom and mushroom-related products. We are a large privately held national grower and distributor of fresh mushrooms, with expanding operations into other fresh food segments. Our strategic vision is to redefine how consumers experience and enjoy mushrooms and fresh foods through innovative, value-added applications. This role will shape our product portfolio and serve as a key driver of culinary creativity, technical excellence, and cross-functional leadership. The ideal candidate will bring thought leadership to help build, communicate, and execute a strategic R&D vision, engaging cross-functional teams and executive leadership. We are seeking a seasoned and innovative Food Product Development Leader with a strong background in fresh food innovation, particularly within the agricultural and produce sectors. This role will drive the development of value-added mushroom products, integrating culinary trends, consumer insights, and technical expertise to position the company as a leader in fresh food innovation. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, a collaborative partner, and a mentor who thrives in a cross-functional environment. Responsibilities

Monitor culinary and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation in fresh food. Lead cross-functional projects from concept to commercialization, coordinating with procurement, packaging, QA, operations, and sales. Ensure technical feasibility, ingredient functionality, and compliance with food safety and quality standards. Build and manage a strategic innovation pipeline aligned with long-term growth goals. Integrate consumer research and sensory evaluation into stage-gated product development processes. Use data-driven decision-making to validate concepts and guide R&D priorities. Act as a thought leader and spokesperson for food technology and culinary innovation with key customers. Represent the company externally, identifying new opportunities based on consumer behavior and usage trends. Participate in trade shows, customer demos, and industry events to showcase innovation. Align product development with strategic goals through collaboration with marketing teams. Communicate effectively across teams and with executives to convey strategic vision and R&D activities. Lead and mentor direct reports and cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous improvement. Engage with suppliers and external partners to stay ahead of ingredient innovations and technical advancements. Strong foundation in food technology, formulation development, shelf-life studies, and food safety standards. Familiarity with regulatory compliance, labeling requirements, and claims substantiation. Awareness of sustainability, clean label, and nutritional optimization trends. Skilled in integrating consumer research and sensory data into product development concepts. Qualifications

Bachelor\'s or advanced degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Culinary Science, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in food product development, ideally in agricultural or fresh food sectors. Proven success in value-added product development, especially in fresh or refrigerated categories. Experience mentoring junior staff and cultivating a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Job Type: Full-time Work Location: Hybrid

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