Director, Research & Development

BUILT ON FLAVOR.  FUELED BY PEOPLE.

What’s it like to work at Kinder’s? Well, there’s a lot of snacking and geeking out over what we all cooked over the weekend. Beyond that, there’s also plenty of hard work. Because we don’t just like flavor, we’re obsessed with it.

With over 100 products sold nationwide, we’re now a top-five brand in multiple flavor categories at Costco, Walmart, Whole Foods, and more. We’re not your typical CPG company. Privately held and founder-led, we like to think of ourselves as a pirate ship in a sea of cruise ships. Our crew is adventurous and fearless. We chart our own course and chase big ideas to make food unforgettable.

As we expand globally and approach $1 billion in revenue, we need more smart-and-scrappy, flavor-obsessed people to come aboard. If you’re looking for a place where you can see the real impact of your work... this is it! Every day, you’ll be part of a journey to add flavor to millions of meals and lives.

About the Role:

The Director of Research & Development at Kinder's will play a pivotal role in leading a team that drives product innovation projects. Reporting to the VP of Research & Development, you will be responsible for the technical and people management of a team of managers and product developers, focusing on bringing best-in-class products to market with industry-leading speed. In this multifaceted role, you will collaborate with internal teams, cross-functional stakeholders, and third-party partners to execute key innovation projects. You will be responsible for supporting a world-class team, with a flexible approach that can easily transition between coaching / mentorship and a hands-on style where necessary.

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Key Responsibilities Include:

Research & Development Management & Leadership:

• Drive the end-to-end development of innovation projects from concept to commercialization.

• Support the commercial scale-up of new products, ensuring a seamless transition from development to launch.

• Partner with key internal stakeholders (Operations, Innovation, Project Management) to identify development priorities and translate them into an aggressive, cohesive and attainable project plan.

• Ensure market-leading speed to market and volume of innovation, while delivering against the high-quality standards of the brand.

• Build a culture of strong technical design including application of design-for-manufacturability and design-for-margin principles.

• Partner with Innovation and Finance teams to identify and prioritize key opportunities to drive improved product margins while sustaining or increasing product quality.

• Lead the team in the renovation of key existing products to improve cost, quality, and overall consumer value.

Process Leadership and Documentations:

• Lead the review and maintenance of all product documentation, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for key internal and external partners.

• Effectively communicate product specifications and critical information to commercialization partners, including creative/packaging design teams, the quality department, and key external partners (including co-packers).

• Drive a project hindsight process to capture key insights and incorporate them into future project team briefing and project prioritization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Team Leadership:

• Lead and mentor a team of managers and product developers, guiding key projects supporting the innovation product platforms of the business.

• Partner closely with cross-functional leaders (e.g., Innovation, Operations, Quality, Portfolio, and Finance) to drive project alignment and ensure successful delivery of key programs.

• Facilitate project team meetings, create and present status reports, and provide clear communication on project risks and opportunities to departmental and senior leadership.

• Act as a champion for the Research & Development process, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What You Bring To The Table:

Education / Experience

• 10-12+ years of experience in research & development, innovation management, or a similar field. CPG experience, including at least some advanced experience in food development required.

• Proven experience leading the development and commercial scale-up of key line extensions and product renovations.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams including both internal and external stakeholders.

• Consumer-obsessed innovator with a passion for turning consumer needs into high value product solutions.

• Proficiency in developing and implementing product development and commercialization strategies.

• Data-driven mindset, with the ability to analyze efficiently and make data-backed decisions quickly.

• Proven people-centric leader with an emphasis on driving performance through culture and mentorship.

• Bachelor's degree. Technical degree (e.g. food science, chemistry /engineering, etc.), while not required, is a significant plus.

Personal Characteristics:

• Growth mindset with an excitement to learn (and teach).

• Passionate people-lover excited by the opportunity to build strong relationships with teammates and consumers.

• Low ego with a strong sense of humility.

• Thrive in a dynamic, lean, and agile environment.

• Collaborative mindset with an ability to find creative solutions.

• Self-starter who takes initiative and is willing to speak their mind.

• Excited to be part of a fast-moving team with the ability to be a leader and a follower where required.

• Enjoy making decisions and finding ways to say ‘yes’ as often as possible to impactful and important priorities.

Location and Travel:

The position will be based onsite in Walnut Creek, CA. We strongly believe in the power of culture and community and have a hybrid work structure with 4 days in the office on a weekly basis to encourage collaboration and personal connections that will allow us to better serve our customers and consumer and to have more fun. Fridays are flex days with employees having the opportunity to choose to be either in the office or to work from home based on what makes most sense for them. Travel will be required for this role to meet with potential and existing partners.

Pay Transparency:

The expected starting salary range for this role is $200,000- $235,000 per year. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance and business needs.

SEASONED FOR SUCCESS:

• No two days here are the same.

• We try to be good team members and good communicators, but we don’t live by hierarchy and structure – everyone is a difference maker here.

• We make a lot of decisions in the face of incomplete information – our team embraces ambiguity and tries to make good decisions fast rather than great decisions slow.

• We believe our job is to take smart risk, not to eliminate risk.

• We believe in growing our skills and becoming a better company with more managerial expertise, but we are an entrepreneurial company at heart.

• We aren’t trying to be average – we want to do exceptional things, and we are willing to work hard to achieve them.

BENEFITS THAT BRING MORE TO THE TABLE:

We offer a range of total rewards that may include paid time off, 401k, bonus / incentive eligibility, equity grants, competitive health benefits, and other family-friendly benefits, including parental leave. Kinder’s benefits vary based on eligibility and can be reviewed in more detail during the interview process.

OUR RECIPE FOR BALANCE:

We believe great culture starts with people. We’re a people-first company built on connection, collaboration, and balance. Most of our work happens in the office to spark creativity and community, but we also offer flexibility so team members have the autonomy to work outside the office when needed to support their work-life balance and personal commitments.

WHERE EVERY INGREDIENT MATTERS:

Kinder's is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, citizenship, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, as well as any other legally-protected characteristic. If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law, and you need any accommodation during the application process or to perform these job requirements, please reach out to us at [email protected]