Marketing - Director, Product Development (R&D)

The Chosen Foods story began years ago with the launch of our 100% Pure Avocado Oil, a revolutionary everyday cooking oil loaded with good fats and nutrients that took the culinary world by storm. Since then, we've been on a rapid growth trajectory to become America's #1 Avocado Oil. We celebrate the taste, health and versatility of the Avocado now making oil, mayos, dressings and more.
We believe in the power of real food to nourish ourselves, our families, and our communities. If this sounds like fun and you have a passion for innovation and growth, we'd love to chat with you about creating the future of avocado-based foods!
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 individual will lead formulation efforts, manage external partners, ensure technical excellence, and integrate culinary creativity with rigorous food science. You will be responsible for delivering a three-year innovation roadmap, leading renovation initiatives, and ensuring 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 (e.g., 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.
• Inspire 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 by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties 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 and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job 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 job operates in a professional office environment with a business casual dress code. This role will routinely utilize standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and other office machines. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
Dedication to DEI&B
Chosen Foods is working toward building a more diverse and inclusive environment that is representative of individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and lifestyles, allowing all employees to feel comfortable being their true, 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, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups and seek to promote diversity in our workforce.
If you need accommodation for any part of the application process due to a disability, please inform us in advance, and we will work to accommodate your needs to the best of our ability.
Chosen Foods is an equal opportunity employer, and we look forward to considering all qualified candidates for employment.
E-Verify Participation Notice
Chosen Foods participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
For more information about E-Verify, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at
Chosen Foods is committed to ensuring a legal and compliant workforce and upholding all federal and state regulations related to employment eligibility verification.