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Head of Research & Development - Job Opportunity at Pilgrim's

Greeley, United States
Full-time
Executive
Posted: April 29, 2025
On-site
USD 250,000-290,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage with competitive 60-day eligibility
Premium dental and vision plans
Strategic 401(k) matching after first year with vesting schedule
Performance-based annual bonus potential
Professional development and continuous learning programs
Generous PTO including sick leave and 6 holidays

Key Responsibilities

Set and execute comprehensive R&D strategy across retail and foodservice channels
Lead culinary innovation and product development initiatives
Drive packaging innovation focusing on sustainability and efficiency
Ensure regulatory compliance and quality standards
Manage cross-functional teams and strategic partnerships
Oversee sensory evaluation and consumer research programs
Direct product optimization and efficiency improvements

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, or related field

Experience

15 years in R&D/product development with 7+ years leadership

Required Skills

Strategic leadership Product innovation Cross-functional team management Project management Stakeholder communication Food industry expertise Regulatory compliance Consumer insights analysis
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The protein processing industry is experiencing rapid transformation driven by sustainability demands and alternative protein innovations Increasing focus on clean label and natural products is reshaping R&D priorities in the meat industry Advanced packaging technologies and sustainable solutions are becoming critical differentiators in the market

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of $250,000-$290,000 is competitive for an executive R&D role in the food manufacturing sector, particularly given the company's size and market position. The total compensation package including bonus potential places this role in the upper quartile for similar positions in the industry.

Role Significance

Typically leads a department of 20-40 professionals across multiple disciplines including food scientists, culinarians, and packaging engineers
C-suite adjacent position with direct influence on product strategy and innovation pipeline, reporting likely to Chief Technical Officer or Chief Operating Officer

Key Projects

Major product line transformations to align with emerging consumer trends Sustainability initiatives in packaging and processing Cross-functional efficiency improvement programs New product development and launch campaigns

Success Factors

Deep understanding of both technical food science and commercial market dynamics Ability to balance innovation with operational feasibility Strong stakeholder management across multiple business units Track record of successful product commercialization

Market Demand

High demand position due to increasing complexity in food innovation and regulatory requirements, combined with limited pool of candidates with both technical expertise and leadership experience in protein processing

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Strategic vision and execution in food innovation Technical expertise in protein processing Cross-functional leadership Regulatory compliance management

Beneficial Skills

International market experience Sustainability expertise Digital transformation knowledge Consumer insight analysis

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to influence product strategy across multiple international markets
Combination of fresh commodity and value-added product development
Strong focus on sustainability and innovation in traditional protein sector

Career Growth

Typical tenure in role is 4-6 years before progression to C-suite position

Potential Next Roles

Chief Technology Officer Chief Innovation Officer Global R&D Director Chief Operating Officer

Company Overview

Pilgrim's

Pilgrim's is a major global food company with significant presence in protein processing and prepared foods, operating across multiple international markets

Leading position in protein processing industry with strong market presence in US, Mexico, UK, and Europe
Strategic location in Colorado positions the role at the heart of US operations with global reach
Corporate environment focused on operational excellence and innovation, with strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration
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