Director of Commercialization & R&D - Ice Cream (Remote)

What You'll Do: Lead the development and commercialization of new flavors, formulations, and product formats, ensuring continual innovation and quality. Oversee products from benchtop development through plant trials and full production, managing scaling, troubleshooting, and process optimization. Collaborate directly with co-manufacturers, flavor houses, and ingredient suppliers to execute product launches and refine manufacturing processes. Maintain strict control over finished product quality, consistency, and standards across all batches. Leverage industry relationships to source ingredients, streamline formulations, and enhance product attributes focused on taste, nutrition, cost, and stability. Build and implement scalable R&D and commercialization processes to support rapid national growth. Ensure all products meet nutritional guidelines, labeling, and regulatory standards. Partner with Supply Chain and COO to establish QA procedures, product specifications, and recall protocols. Manage sample and prototype production for internal and external evaluations.

Competencies: Needed for Success: Deep expertise in ice cream and frozen dessert formulation, manufacturing, and product development. Minimum of 7+ years in R&D, product development, food science, or related roles within the frozen desserts industry. Proven success in developing and scaling frozen dessert products within a manufacturing environment. Strong technical knowledge of formulation, freezing, overrun, stabilization, inclusions, and sensory evaluation. Extensive hands-on experience with ice cream manufacturing facilities and co-manufacturers. Exceptional taste, texture, and quality judgment with high standards for product excellence. Ability to work quickly, solve problems hands-on, and take ownership in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Willingness and ability to travel frequently to production facilities, suppliers, and co-manufacturers.

Skills: Established industry relationships with co-manufacturers and ingredient suppliers. Experience with regulatory compliance and nutritional labeling standards.

Preferred Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or related field (Master's preferred).7+ years of relevant experience in frozen dessert R&D, commercialization, or product manufacturing at scale.

Other Requirements: Willingness to travel as needed. Strong communication and collaboration skills. Passion for innovation in the frozen treat space. Take an exciting step forward in shaping the future of frozen desserts-apply now to become a key driver of the company's continued success and growth! Recruiter Information: Joe Sommerfeldtjoes@kinsa.com