Vice President of Innovation - Executive Leaders Search : Job Details

Job Title: Vice President of Innovation

Location: Elma, NY

About the Company

A leading company in the plant-based food and beverage industry is seeking a Vice President of Innovation to drive its research and development efforts. The company is recognized for its commitment to clean-label ingredients, cutting-edge processing technologies, and superior product quality. With a strong heritage in food and beverage manufacturing, the company is dedicated to redefining plant-based nutrition through groundbreaking innovation and consumer-centric solutions.

Position Overview

The Vice President of Innovation will lead and oversee all aspects of product development, R&D, and commercialization, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of food and beverage innovation. This role will be responsible for developing and executing the innovation roadmap, from concept ideation to market launch, while collaborating with R&D, marketing, operations, and sales to deliver differentiated and scalable products.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a long-term innovation strategy, identifying breakthrough opportunities in plant-based foods, functional ingredients, and sustainable packaging.
• Product Development and R&D Oversight: Lead the formulation, testing, and commercialization of new food and beverage products, ensuring they meet regulatory, nutritional, and sensory requirements.
• Technology & Process Innovation: Drive advancements in food processing techniques to improve product texture, functionality, and nutritional value.
• Consumer & Market Insights: Leverage data-driven insights to identify emerging trends and white space opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, supply chain, operations, and sales teams to ensure smooth product launches.
• External Partnerships: Establish and manage relationships with universities, research institutions, ingredient suppliers, and co-manufacturers to accelerate innovation.
• Regulatory Compliance & Sustainability: Ensure all products comply with FDA, USDA, and international food regulations while supporting sustainability initiatives.
• Innovation Culture & Team Development: Build and mentor a high-performing R&D team, fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, and excellence.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's or master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field (PhD preferred but not required).
• Experience: 10+ years in food & beverage innovation, R&D, or product development, with at least 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Industry Expertise: Proven track record in plant-based food and beverage development, functional ingredients, and/or alternative proteins.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of food chemistry, sensory evaluation, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
• Leadership & Business Acumen: Experience driving innovation strategies, managing large product portfolios, and leading cross-functional teams.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with FDA, USDA, non-GMO, organic, and clean-label compliance standards.
• Problem-Solving & Creativity: Ability to think disruptively and bring new-to-market innovations to life.
• Strong Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional ability to influence and work across teams, from R&D to executive leadership.

Why Join?

• Be a key leader in one of the fastest-growing plant-based food companies.
• Work with cutting-edge technology to shape the future of sustainable food innovation.
• Opportunity to drive category-defining innovations in a mission-driven organization.
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture with long-term vision and strong values.

Competitive compensation and benefits offered.