Director, R&D Innovation

At Utz Brands, we're on a mission to create the next generation of snacks consumers crave. With more than 100 years of heritage and a growing portfolio of iconic brands—including Utz®, Zapp's®, Boulder Canyon®, and On The Border®—we are redefining what innovation looks like in the snacking industry.

We're looking for an exceptional Director, R&D Innovation to lead breakthrough product development initiatives that will fuel the future growth of our business. This is a highly visible leadership role where you'll combine science, creativity, and strategic thinking to bring exciting new products from concept to commercialization.

The Opportunity: Director, R&D Innovation

The Director, R&D Innovation is responsible for leading the product development innovation agenda for Utz Brands products. This role partners with the brand business team’s innovation lead, manages a team of product developers, and leads select product development projects from concept through commercialization. The Director establishes and applies a scientifically sound, efficient approach to innovation; collaborates cross-functionally with Procurement, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Packaging, Value Creation, and other R&D groups; and builds external relationships with ingredient suppliers, processing equipment suppliers, universities, and other technology providers to support business objectives and advance innovation initiatives.

What You'll Do:

• Manages direct reports to execute against project objectives in a timely and professional manner.
• Partners with the Brand innovation leader to generate ideas and advance approved projects.
• Works closely with cross-functional departments such as Procurement and Manufacturing.
• Establishes a scientifically robust yet nimble approach to product development.
• Effectively prioritizes and allocates resources, both human and financial, against initiatives.
• Develops and implements best practices to enable effective innovation development.
• Owns and leads select projects and initiatives.
• Collaborates with other R&D groups such as Value Creation, Regulatory, and Packaging to accomplish objectives and manage the R&D site.
• Establishes working relationships with ingredient suppliers, processing equipment suppliers, universities, and other technology providers to leverage resources, generate ideas, and advance initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall outcome of company and department objectives.

What You Bring:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field required.

Experience

• 10-15 years of product development experience in the food and beverage industry, preferably salty snacks.
• Proven track record of developing innovative products from concept through lab/pilot scale to manufacturing.
• Knowledge of seasonings, extrusion, frying, and/or baking applications preferred.

Skills

• Demonstrated leadership and team-building competencies.
• Ability to think critically and exercise complex problem-solving skills while simplifying information to drive decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-directed and forward-thinking, with the ability to make complex decisions that drive business innovation and performance.
• Comfortable presenting recommendations and findings to management and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent time and project management skills, with a proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple, concurrent projects.

External Recruitment Process:

• Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
• Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
• Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.

Why Utz?

We believe in taking care of our people. Our benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employer-matched 401(k)
• Profit sharing, bonus plan, employee stock purchase plans
• Career growth opportunities in a supportive, inclusive environment

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.