Chew is a mission-driven food and beverage innovation company founded on the notion that consumers shouldn't have to choose between what tastes great, and what’s good for you.
DELICIOUS. NUTRITIOUS. SUSTAINABLE. PROFITABLE. SCALABLE.
ABOUT US:
We partner with major industry players to deliver truly disruptive and impactful innovation. Leveraging our team’s deep and diverse experience, commitment to agility, creative problem-solving, and detail-driven execution, we break down barriers and provide excellence at every step of the go-to-market process. As a leader in end-to-end food innovation, we create products that are delicious, nutritious, sustainable, profitable, and scalable.
Founded in 2013, our organization is well-established and well-resourced. The innovative nature of our projects and the dynamic priorities of the companies we collaborate with, give our culture the energy and adaptability of a start-up. Individuals that are creative yet pragmatic, team-oriented yet self-motivated, and energized by the chance to develop something groundbreaking multiple times per year, thrive at Chew.
Join us on our mission to democratize good food. Together, we dream big and help create food that will change the world!
ROLE SUMMARY:
The
VP of Research and Development will lead and oversee the R&D department, ensuring the successful development, testing, and commercialization of cutting-edge food products. This role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of food science, culinary innovation, and commercialization strategies. The ideal candidate will foster collaboration across the Food Science, Culinary, and Commercialization teams while driving innovation to achieve business goals.
This is a full-time role with on-site requirements in Boston, MA.
RESPONSIBILITES:
Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and execute the R&D strategy aligned with the company’s vision and business objectives.
- Lead and inspire the Food Science, Culinary, and Commercialization teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
- Identify emerging trends and opportunities in the food industry to guide product development initiatives.
Research & Development:
- Oversee the end-to-end process of product innovation, from concept development to commercialization.
- Ensure product formulations meet quality, cost, regulatory, and sustainability standards.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Marketing and Operations, to align R&D efforts with market needs.
Talent Management:
- Manage, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of Food Scientists, Culinary experts, and Commercialization professionals.
- Set clear goals, monitor progress, and provide feedback to ensure team success.
- Drive knowledge sharing and cross-team collaboration to optimize processes and outcomes.
Commercialization Oversight:
- Partner with the Commercialization team to ensure smooth transitions from R&D to production.
- Establish and maintain processes to evaluate scalability and feasibility of new products.
- Manage timelines and budgets to ensure on-time, cost-effective delivery of new products.
Quality and Compliance:
- Ensure all R&D activities adhere to regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- Implement rigorous testing and quality control protocols to ensure product safety and consistency.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree or higher in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in R&D leadership within the food or beverage industry.
- Proven track record of successful product innovation and commercialization.
- Strong knowledge of food science, ingredient functionality, and culinary trends.
- Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
- Ability to navigate complex challenges and make data-driven decisions.
- Proven experience leading and developing multi-disciplinary teams
- Demonstrated hands-on CPG product development and commercialization leadership within the food and beverage industry
- Energetic, curious, positive, with a strong sense of urgency and attention to detail.
- An agent of change, with the ability to deliver results in a lean, fast paced, deadline-driven environment, while balancing multiple, shifting priorities.
REWARDS & BENEFITS:
- Competitive Base Salary, commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits. In addition to a TalkSpace Subscription.
- 410k + company match
- Education assistance
- Flexible PTO
- Employee Appreciation Programs
- Immense professional growth potential, working on the most innovative developments and products of your career.
Chew is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
