Head of Research and Development - Food Manufacturing

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Title: Japanese/English Bilingual Head of R&D

Location: Lewisville, TX

Job Type: Full-time/Exempt

Business Hours: M-F 9:00a - 5:30p CST

Salary Range: $90k-$140k

Job Description:

The Head of R&D is responsible for leading product development initiatives, serving as the primary point of communication with our customers to understand their needs, product concepts, and market direction.

Responsibilities:

• Act as the main liaison with our customers to understand their needs, product concepts, and quality expectations.
• Lead the development of new products and improvements to existing items, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and market trends.
• Translate customer feedback and business goals into clear development plans and sample prototypes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality assurance, procurement, and sales, to execute product development projects.
• Evaluate product feasibility, cost structures, ingredient options, and manufacturing capabilities.
• Present product concepts, samples, and R&D updates to internal leadership and external partners.
• Stay informed about food trends, consumer preferences, and competitive products to guide innovation.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Strong passion for food and a good understanding of what makes products appealing, high quality, and commercially successful.
• Fluency in English and Japanese language skills (spoken and written).
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and project management skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and build strong internal and external relationships.
• Open to business trips up to 25%

Preferred:

• Sales experience, especially in the food industry.
• Experience at a food trading company.
• Experience in food manufacturing, R&D, or product development environments.
• Knowledge of ingredient sourcing, food production processes, or cost structures.

Benefits:

• Company-paid Medical/Dental/Vision (employee premium only) after 30 days of service.
• After 12 months of service: 10% company match for 401(k), vested immediately.