Sr. Director of Research & Development (R&D)
@ Shearer's Foods

Massillon, Ohio, United States
On Site
Posted 4 days ago

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Job Details

Sr. Director of Research & Development

Location: Massillon, Ohio (Hybrid Schedule)

Role Overview

  • Lead R&D for a fast-paced, private label and co-manufacturing snack business.
  • Oversee salty snacks, cookies & crackers, and better-for-you platforms.
  • Deliver consumer-relevant innovation, speed-to-market, and customer trust.

Your Seat at the Table:

  • Define and execute a branded R&D strategy aligned with market demands.
  • Translate insights into customized product solutions for retail partners.
  • Develop R&D pipeline balancing speed-to-market and technical feasibility.
  • Collaborate with sales and retail customers for innovation opportunities.
  • Drive core portfolio support and innovation activation.
  • Maintain and optimize R&D systems and documentation.
  • Build strategic partnerships with suppliers, flavor houses, and universities.
  • Lead cross-functional commercialization teams ensuring timely product launches.
  • Create gold standard recipes, conduct sensory evaluations, and ensure compliance.
  • Mentor and build a high-performing, agile R&D team.
  • Prioritize and allocate resources efficiently for company initiatives.

What you Bring to the Table:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in food science, Food Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 15+ years of progressive R&D leadership in CPG with private label and co-manufacturing experience.
  • Deep technical expertise in salty snacks processing technologies.
  • Proven track record of launching successful products across multiple retailers.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and influence across all levels.

We Offer a Feast of Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Flexible Spending Account.
  • Retirement Savings Plan with Match, Disability Insurance, and critical illness coverage.
  • Employee Assistance Plan and community volunteering opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Shearer’s Snacks is committed to equal employment opportunities.

Please note: Recruitment agencies are not accepted for this role.

Key skills/competency

  • R&D Leadership
  • Food Science
  • Product Innovation
  • Private Label
  • Co-manufacturing
  • Team Mentorship
  • Strategic Planning
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Process Optimization
  • Consumer Trends
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How to Get Hired at Shearer's Foods

🎯 Tips for Getting Hired

  • Customize your resume: Tailor your experience to food science leadership.
  • Highlight innovation: Emphasize product development successes.
  • Research Shearer’s Foods: Understand their market and product lines.
  • Prepare for interviews: Practice leadership and technical problem solving.

📝 Interview Preparation Advice

Technical Preparation

Review food processing techniques.
Study regulatory compliance cases.
Practice R&D pipeline structuring.
Prepare product formulation insights.

Behavioral Questions

Describe your leadership style.
Explain your conflict resolution method.
Discuss handling cross-functional teams.
Share examples of team mentoring.

Frequently Asked Questions