Welch's · 8 hours ago
Sr Director, R&D Operations & Innovation
Waltham, MA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$250K/yr - $260K/yr
20+ years expWelch's is on a journey towards becoming the global leader in fruit-based food and beverages, and they are seeking a Sr Director of R&D Operations & Innovation. This role is responsible for providing enterprise leadership across Product Development, Packaging, Process, and External Innovation to drive growth and develop a high-performing R&D team.
E-CommerceFood and Beverage
Responsibilities
Enterprise ownership of R&D innovation strategy and operating model
Accountability for product, packaging, and process development outcomes
Leadership of external innovation strategy, partnerships, and technology scouting
Development of a high‑performing, multi‑disciplinary R&D team
Thought leader and partner to strategic growth planning and long‑range innovation roadmaps
Define and lead the end‑to‑end R&D innovation portfolio across product, packaging, and process engineering
Translate enterprise growth strategy into platform roadmaps, technical priorities, and capability investments
Balance speed, cost, quality, and risk across a diverse innovation pipeline
Establish clear portfolio governance and decision‑making frameworks
Support continuous improvement and cost management strategies
Set unified technical and scientific direction across product formulation, packaging systems, and process design
Lead development of scalable innovation platforms that integrate product, packaging, and process from the outset
Ensure consumer‑led innovation rigor while embedding manufacturability, cost, quality, and sustainability early
Partner with marketing and Consumer Insights to shape opportunity spaces with an end-to-end system mindset
Drive technical trade‑off decisions across product, pack, and process to accelerate speed‑to‑market and reduce downstream risk
Lead Welch’s external innovation strategy, including scouting, partnerships, licensing, and co‑development
Evaluate emerging ingredients, technologies, and manufacturing solutions for strategic fit and value creation
Serve as the technical lead counterpart in external innovation and partnership decisions
Build a strong external ecosystem across suppliers, startups, academia, and technology partners
Design and continuously improve R&D processes, governance, and ways of working
Increase speed‑to‑market while maintaining technical, regulatory compliance, and quality rigor
Ensure strong cross‑functional integration across R&D, Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain
Establish clear accountability, metrics, and performance management across the R&D organization
Lead, mentor, and develop a multi‑disciplinary R&D leadership team spanning product, packaging, and process
Build bench strength, succession plans, and future technical leaders
Foster a culture of curiosity, accountability, collaboration, and enterprise thinking
Champion talent development, capability building, and inclusive leadership practices
Qualification
Required
20+ years of progressive R&D experience within food & beverage or CPG, including senior leadership roles
Proven leadership across multiple R&D disciplines (product, packaging, process)
Track record of leading innovation portfolios from concept through commercialization
Experience partnering deeply with Operations and Supply Chain on scale‑up and deployment
Demonstrated ability to influence enterprise strategy and operate at executive level
Strong people leadership experience, including leading leaders
Preferred
Experience building or transforming R&D operating models
External innovation, licensing, or partnership experience
Beverages, fruit‑based products, and/or shelf‑stable or refrigerated systems experience
Advanced degree in Food Science, Packaging, Engineering, or related technical field
Benefits
Paid Time Off and Holidays: Enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge
Paid Volunteer Time Off: 40 hours of paid volunteer time for all non-union employees
Development & Advancement: Access to LinkedIn Learning as well as both formal and informal opportunities to develop and grow your career
401K plan with Generous Company Match
Flexible Benefits from your first day: Choose the benefits that meet your needs and preferences
Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
Health Savings Accounts
Life and accident insurance
Employee Assistance Programs
Tuition reimbursement program
Additional benefits available through Perks at Work
Paid parental (and adoption) leave – Available after 12 months of employment
Company
Welch's
Official Welch's Pinterest Page. Grape Goodness, juicy ideas, recipes & fun snacks! www.welchs.com
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Andrew Hartshorn
Chief Brand and Innovation Officer
Recent News
2026-01-06
2025-10-30
2025-10-29
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