Director Of Culinary Research & Development

Company: Sandridge Crafted Foods
Location: Medina
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Where Culinary Creativity Meets Food Science Innovation At Sandridge Crafted Foods, we don’t just make food — we craft it. We’re looking for a visionary Director of Research & Development who gets excited about turning bold ideas into delicious realities. If you love experimenting in the kitchen and the lab, thrive on innovation, and enjoy leading talented teams to create products people crave, this role was made for you. You’ll own the full journey of product development — from the first spark of inspiration to seeing your creations on shelves and menus. One day, you might be perfecting a sous vide entrée, the next you’re exploring new ingredients or packaging technologies that will shape the future of fresh foods. Compensation: $125,000 - $140,000 yearly Responsibilities: What You’ll Do Be the Architect of Innovation Build and lead a technical innovation roadmap that fuels breakthrough ideas in fresh food categories. Dive hands-on into ingredient research, discovering new functional and technical benefits. Develop a deep scientific understanding of how ingredients interact with equipment, processes, and flavors. Lead product development across multiple categories — delivering innovation, renovation, and smart cost savings. Be the Go-To Expert Evaluate and validate emerging ingredients, technologies, and packaging solutions. Translate complex food science into clear, confident recommendations. Represent R&D in cross-functional strategic decisions and leadership forums. Be a Flavor Science Champion Analyze sensory performance and functional properties using industry-standard tools. Partner with Quality and Food Safety teams to ensure excellence from concept to commercialization. Be a Player-Coach Leader Mentor and inspire a talented team of food scientists, chefs, and product developers. Balance personal project ownership with guiding the broader team to success. Foster a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and high performance. Collaborate & Explore Work closely with Operations, Marketing, and Sales to create benchtop samples and prototypes. Travel to suppliers and partners for innovation sessions and product trials. Manage and optimize the R&D operating budget. Qualifications: What You Bring to the Table Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field (Master’s preferred). 10 years of progressive product development experience in the food industry. Proven success in leading and developing technical teams. Experience with High Pressure Processing , kettle development , or flavor applications is a big plus. Ability to turn consumer insights into winning products. Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills. Hands-on experience with bench work, pilot trials, and commercialization. Excellent sensory and culinary instincts — you genuinely love food. Strategic mindset, creative problem-solving, and a bias for action. Comfort explaining technical concepts in simple, engaging ways. Adaptability and energy for a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment. Travel & Location Up to 25% travel for supplier visits and innovation sessions. On-site role in Medina, Ohio — this is where the magic happens, and your presence is essential. Teams You’ll Lead Culinary Research & Development Food Science Why This Role is Special You won’t just be developing products — you’ll be shaping what people eat next. This is a rare opportunity to blend culinary artistry, technical expertise, and leadership into a role that has real impact on the future of fresh foods. If you’re driven by curiosity, creativity, and the thrill of bringing new flavors to life, you’ll feel right at home here. About Company What’s in It for You Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage Future Planning: 401(k) with company match Recharge Time: Paid time off & holidays Perks: Employee discounts on Sandridge favorites Growth: Real opportunities to advance—we love promoting from within Agency Disclaimer: We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms or staffing agencies. Any resumes submitted without a prior written agreement will be considered property of Sandridge Crafted Foods, and no fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired as a result of the referral. This position is open to direct applicants only.

Keywords: Sandridge Crafted Foods, Saint Clair Shores , Director Of Culinary Research & Development, Science, Research & Development , Medina, Michigan