Director, Research & Development

We are looking for a Director of R&D to lead our gluten-free baking and snacks team at our plant location in Denver, Colorado.

This is an R&D Director role, not operations, reporting to the Senior Director of R&D in Omaha, Nebraska. However, you will work with both the Ops and R&D teams as the technical expert and lead a team of food scientists onsite for both the research and production of gluten free baking and snacks. You will focus on delivering growth through new product development, identifying cost savings, and providing technical solutions to support the business and supply chain.  You will partner with functional leaders to implement initiatives and drive strategy.

Position Responsibilities:

• Accountable for product design, product quality and business continuity priorities.

• Lead a team of food scientists, with focus on employee development.

• Exhibit leadership and demonstrated ability to influence technical and business partners.

• Communicate strategies, priorities, and provide direction to the team.

• Champion ideas for technology improvements, cost savings, innovations that align with strategic goals of the business.  

• Foster relationships with team members, leadership, and internal/external technical partners to lead decision-making and overall strategy, ensuring successful execution of initiatives.

• Maintain high awareness of consumer, technical trends, and new developments in the food industry, with emphasis on baking.

• Present to cross functionally to technical leads and senior leaders as the primary contact to the business for assigned brands.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science or related field with 10+ years relevant work experience in the food industry, or 7+ years total experience with Master's or PhD.

• Experience leading a technical team, with proven ability to drive technical strategy and priority initiatives while cultivating a positive and inclusive culture.

• Experience developing and commercializing food products, with focus on Gluten Free applications.

• Experience with commercial baking product innovation and process development, with a strong technical understanding and application of baking science.

• Experience applying laboratory methods and instruments for advancement in product quality and consistency.

• We require applicants for this role to be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship either now or in the future.

Physical Requirements

• Exposure to manufacturing environments for periodic extended workdays to include loud noise, excessive heat, cold, wet, and slippery conditions and exposure to food allergens.

• Ability to travel, work in office and lab/plant environment. 

You will typically be in the office Mondays - Thursdays with some flexibility. Fridays are usually remote. We offer relocation for this role.

Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, 15 vacation days, 6 additional days off and 11 paid holidays. Check out our 401k plan too! Conagra will match 100% up to the first 6% of pay you save. We will also provide a 3% non-elective contribution to your account regardless of your participation (that's 9%)!

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Compensation: 

Pay Range:$130,000-$193,000

The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee’s actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees’ equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.

Anticipated Close Date: 

April 17, 2025

Our Benefits:

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

• Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
• Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
• Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
• Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company:

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye ®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.

Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.