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VP of R&D

VP of R&D

Flowers FoodsHartford, CT, US
1 day ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

VP of R&D

Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE : FLO) is not just about baking; it's about crafting moments of joy with every delicious bite. With 2024 sales of $5.1 billion, and as one of the leading producers of packaged bakery goods in the United States, Flowers Foods brings passion to the table. From the wholesome goodness of Nature's Own and Wonder to the bold and artisanal flavors of Dave's Killer Bread, the rustic goodness of Canyon Bakehouse, and the sweet delights of Tastykake, each product is a celebration of taste and quality. Beyond the oven, Flowers Foods fosters a culture that values and reflects Honesty & Integrity, Respect & Inclusion, Sustainability, Passion, and Humility. With a commitment to innovation and a recipe for success, Flowers Foods is more than a bakery it's a delightful journey into the heart of flavor and community.

The Vice President of Research & Development oversees and manages all product innovation and development efforts across our baked foods portfolio. This role serves as the primary technical expert and strategic advisor to the commercial organization, translating scientific insights, technological advancements, and market intelligence into high-impact product solutions. The VP of R&D will also play a critical role in developing the next generation of technical talent, ensuring the organization remains future-ready and innovation-driven.

Rising to the Challenge : Position Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

Technical Leadership & Commercial Partnership

  • Serve as the technical authority for the commercial organization, providing expert guidance on product capabilities, formulation strategies, and innovation opportunities
  • Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Business Development to align R&D initiatives with customer needs, market positioning, and brand strategy
  • Support customer engagements and presentations with deep technical knowledge and solution-oriented thinking

Technology & Scientific Innovation

  • Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies (e.g., enzyme systems, fermentation, AI-driven formulation tools, clean-label processing) to enhance product performance and production efficiency
  • Translate scientific research and academic findings into commercially viable product innovations
  • Collaborate with external partners, universities, and research institutions to stay at the forefront of food science and technology

    • Market & Consumer Insight Integration

  • Monitor and analyze consumer behavior, dietary trends, and lifestyle shifts (e.g., plant-based, high-protein, low-sugar, allergen-free) to inform product development strategies
  • Lead the development of products that align with clean label, sustainability, and functional nutrition demands
  • Partner with Marketing and Insights teams to validate concepts through consumer testing and sensory evaluation

    • Regulatory & Industry Foresight

  • Stay ahead of regulatory changes (e.g., labeling laws, nutritional guidelines, ingredient restrictions) and ensure all R&D initiatives are compliant.
  • Anticipate and respond to global and regional food policy shifts that impact product formulation and innovation pipelines.
  • Represent the company in industry forums and regulatory discussions to influence and adapt to evolving standards

    • Talent Development & Future-Proofing

  • Lead efforts to develop emerging technical skills across the R&D team and broader organization.
  • Build a pipeline of future-ready leaders by mentoring high-potential talent and fostering leadership capacity.
  • Actively seek new ideas and diverse sources of talent, both internally and externally, to strengthen the innovation ecosystem.
  • Position the R&D function as a net exporter of talent, contributing to organizational growth and capability building across departments

    • Strategic R&D Leadership

  • Develop and execute a forward-looking R&D roadmap aligned with business growth, sustainability goals, and market trends.
  • Lead cross-functional innovation initiatives with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Quality Assurance to ensure successful commercialization

    • Process Innovation & Commercialization

  • Oversee pilot plant trials, scale-up processes, and technology transfers to manufacturing.
  • Drive process improvements through smart manufacturing, automation, and ingredient optimization

    • Practices and complies with all Company policies and procedures (EEO, Harassment, Safety, Sarbanes Oxley, etc.)

    Performs other duties deemed by management to be an integral part of the job, including but not limited to fulfillment of work schedules, adherence to attendance policies, and other applicable operating rules, policies and procedures.

    Knead to Know : Preferred Qualifications

  • Minimum 10 years' experience in food product development, with a strong focus on baked goods

    • Additional Ingredients : Essential Job Requirements

  • Master's or PhD in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or related field

    • We offer a competitive salary and an excellent total rewards package. Please reply by 11 / 7 / 2025. Interested job seekers who successfully complete the series of pre-screening questions and who appear to possess the basic qualifications for this position may be contacted for a telephone interview.

    EEO Statement

    Flowers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Flowers encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or people of any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The job description above outlines the general nature and level of work expected from employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this position. Equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills may supplement above minimum job requirements.

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