Director Of Research And Development

Overview We are seeking a Senior R D Food Scientist to lead the research, development, and commercialization of innovative beverage products. This role is highly collaborative and customer‑facing, working closely with cross‑functional teams and key customers to drive new product development, formulation optimization, and regulatory compliance. This position will play a hands‑on role in managing a fast‑paced R D pipeline while partnering with quality, operations, and commercial teams to bring high‑quality products to market. Key Responsibilities Lead end‑to‑end product development , from concept through commercialization, for new beverages and flavors Serve as a customer‑facing technical resource , supporting large customers and chain partners with product inquiries, specifications, and innovation initiatives Collaborate cross‑functionally with Quality, Operations, Regulatory, and Commercial teams to ensure product feasibility and compliance Oversee formulation development, testing, optimization, and scale‑up activities Develop, maintain, and update product specifications, formulations, and labeling documentation Support quality control testing and continuous product improvement efforts Play a key role in FDA audit support and ongoing regulatory compliance for beverage and fruit‑based products Ensure adherence to food safety and regulatory requirements , partnering with internal stakeholders Identify opportunities to improve ingredient sourcing, cost efficiency, and manufacturing processes Manage multiple R D projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment Required Qualifications Master's degree in Food Science or a related discipline 10+ years of R D experience within the food and beverage industry Skills in beverage formulation and manufacturing Solid understanding of flavor applications and systems Demonstrated experience with FDA compliance , particularly related to juices, fruit concentrates, or beverage products Proven ability to work directly with large customers and chain partners Strong product development, innovation, and commercialization experience Why This Role This is an opportunity to take ownership of a high‑impact R D function within a growing food and beverage manufacturing environment. The role offers visibility, influence, and the chance to shape innovative beverage products through hands‑on development and close customer collaboration. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Clifton, NJ. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $170000.00 - $175000.00/yr. Annual salary + annual bonuses based on company performance. 401K with matching program after 1 year of employment. Paid bank holidays, 10 days vacation + 5 days sick leave. Open to relocation benefits. Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Clifton,NJ. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Apr 21, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.