Chief R&D Officer – Consumer Packaged Goods
Are you an innovative leader with a passion for research and development in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry? We are seeking a Chief R&D Officer to drive innovation, product development, and technological advancements for a leading CPG company in St. Louis, MO. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the company’s product portfolio, enhance R&D strategies, and lead high-impact projects in a competitive market. If you excel in fostering cutting-edge innovation and leading cross-functional teams, this role is for you.
Lead Innovation and Product Development in the CPG Industry
A premier Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) company in St. Louis, MO is looking for a Chief R&D Officer to spearhead research, product formulation, and technological advancements. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in CPG R&D leadership, a deep understanding of consumer trends and emerging technologies, and a track record of bringing successful products to market. If you thrive on innovation, problem-solving, and driving scientific excellence, this is your chance to make a lasting impact on the industry.
Key Responsibilities of the Chief R&D Officer – Consumer Packaged Goods
Innovation & Product Development
Lead the research and development strategy to drive innovative product formulations and new category expansion. Oversee the entire product lifecycle, from ideation to commercialization, ensuring products align with market trends and consumer demands.
Scientific & Technological Advancements
Stay ahead of emerging technologies, ingredient innovations, and sustainable packaging solutions. Drive the adoption of cutting-edge R&D methodologies to enhance product performance, shelf stability, and consumer appeal.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with marketing, operations, supply chain, and quality assurance teams to streamline product development and commercialization. Ensure alignment between R&D strategies and business goals to drive brand success.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Standards
Ensure all products meet FDA, USDA, and other regulatory requirements while upholding the highest standards of product safety, quality, and sustainability. Develop and maintain best practices for compliance and risk management in R&D.
Consumer & Market Insights
Leverage market research, consumer insights, and data analytics to anticipate evolving preferences and demands. Use data-driven approaches to enhance product innovation and differentiate the company in the CPG market.
Sustainability & Clean Label Initiatives
Drive sustainability efforts by developing eco-friendly formulations, reducing waste, and optimizing packaging solutions. Support the company’s mission to create healthier, more sustainable consumer products.
Talent Development & Leadership
Build and lead a high-performing R&D team, fostering a culture of creativity, experimentation, and scientific excellence. Provide mentorship and career growth opportunities for scientists, food technologists, and product developers.
Budget & Resource Management
Oversee R&D budgets, resource allocation, and investment in new technologies to optimize efficiency and maximize innovation potential. Ensure cost-effective research initiatives while maintaining high-quality standards.
What the Client is Looking for in You
As the Chief R&D Officer – Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), the client is seeking an innovative and strategic leader who can drive cutting-edge product development, leverage scientific advancements, and ensure the company remains ahead of industry trends. You should be a visionary problem-solver with a deep understanding of R&D leadership in the CPG space, capable of fostering collaboration across multiple teams to bring market-leading products to life.
Proven Expertise in CPG Research & Development
The client is looking for a seasoned R&D executive with a strong track record of leading product innovation in the CPG industry. You should have experience in developing breakthrough formulations, implementing emerging technologies, and translating scientific insights into successful consumer products. A background in food science, chemistry, biotechnology, or a related field is highly valued.
Innovative Thinker with a Vision for Future Trends
As Chief R&D Officer, you must possess the ability to anticipate market trends and develop innovative products that meet evolving consumer demands. Experience in sustainability initiatives, clean-label product development, and functional ingredients will be a major asset. The client values leaders who can bridge science with market needs to create impactful, consumer-driven innovations.
Deep Understanding of Regulatory Compliance & Quality Standards
The ideal candidate must have extensive knowledge of FDA, USDA, and global regulatory requirements, ensuring that all R&D initiatives comply with industry standards. A strong grasp of food safety, quality control, and risk management is essential to maintain the company’s reputation for excellence.
Strong Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
The client seeks a highly skilled leader who can build and inspire a world-class R&D team. You should be experienced in leading scientists, food technologists, and product developers, while also working closely with marketing, supply chain, and operations teams to bring innovative products to market efficiently.
Passion for Science & Consumer-Centric Innovation
A consumer-first mindset is critical for this role. You should have the ability to translate consumer insights into actionable R&D strategies, ensuring that new product developments align with customer preferences, nutritional trends, and industry advancements.
Strategic Budgeting & Resource Management
The client is looking for an R&D executive who can manage budgets effectively, optimize research investments, and drive cost-efficient innovation without compromising on quality. Strong financial acumen in R&D expenditure, return on investment (ROI), and cost analysis is essential.
Commitment to Sustainability & Ethical Practices
With sustainability becoming a priority in the CPG industry, the ideal candidate should have experience in developing eco-friendly packaging, reducing environmental impact, and implementing sustainable ingredient sourcing. The ability to balance profitability with social responsibility is highly desirable.
FAQs About the Role – Chief R&D Officer – Consumer Packaged Goods
1. What are the key responsibilities of the Chief R&D Officer in this role?
As the Chief R&D Officer, you will be responsible for leading product innovation, scientific research, and new technology implementation in the CPG sector. Your role involves overseeing R&D initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance, optimizing formulation processes, and driving sustainable product development. You will collaborate with marketing, supply chain, and production teams to ensure innovative products align with consumer demands and business objectives.
2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in R&D leadership within the CPG industry, particularly in food science, chemistry, biotechnology, or a related field. A Ph.D. or Master’s degree in a scientific discipline is preferred, along with a proven track record in product innovation, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional team leadership. Experience in sustainability initiatives, clean-label formulations, and ingredient sourcing is a strong advantage.
3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client is looking for a visionary leader with the ability to anticipate industry trends, drive scientific breakthroughs, and foster innovation. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, team-building abilities, and communication skills are essential. The ability to balance consumer preferences with scientific advancements and regulatory constraints is highly valued.
4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
As a Chief R&D Officer in the CPG industry, you may face challenges such as keeping pace with rapidly evolving consumer trends, ensuring regulatory compliance, optimizing cost-efficiency in new product development, and maintaining sustainability goals. Managing cross-functional collaboration, reducing time-to-market, and balancing scientific innovation with commercial viability will also be key aspects of the role.
5. What is the expected impact of the Chief R&D Officer on the company’s growth?
The Chief R&D Officer plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s product portfolio, driving innovation, and securing a competitive edge in the market. Your leadership in developing breakthrough formulations, enhancing product quality, and leveraging sustainable practices will directly impact the company’s revenue growth, brand reputation, and market expansion.
6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company fosters a fast-paced, innovation-driven, and collaborative culture. They value scientific excellence, teamwork, and consumer-focused innovation. As Chief R&D Officer, you will have the opportunity to build and shape a forward-thinking R&D team, drive continuous improvement, and contribute to a dynamic, growth-oriented organization.
What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?
As the Chief R&D Officer – Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), you can expect a highly competitive compensation package tailored to attract top research and innovation leaders. The remuneration for this role typically includes:
1. Base Salary
The base salary for a Chief R&D Officer in the CPG industry varies based on company size, revenue, and industry position. In mid-to-large-sized organizations, the annual base salary typically ranges from $250,000 to $500,000, with top-tier firms offering even higher salaries based on experience and expertise.
2. Performance-Based Bonuses
Most compensation packages include annual performance-based bonuses, linked to key business and innovation metrics such as successful product launches, cost efficiency, regulatory compliance, and sustainability achievements. These bonuses often range from 20% to 60% of the base salary, depending on individual and company performance.
3. Equity & Stock Options
Many companies offer equity-based incentives such as stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or performance shares. These incentives align executive compensation with company growth and shareholder value, making them a significant part of the total remuneration package.
4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs) & Profit-Sharing
Some companies provide LTIPs or profit-sharing programs, rewarding executives for sustained performance and strategic contributions over multiple years. These incentives may include additional stock grants, deferred cash bonuses, or profit-sharing based on company success.
5. Executive Benefits & Perks
As a senior executive, you can expect a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) or pension plans with company contributions
- Executive retirement plans
- Company-provided travel allowances or vehicles
- Professional development & research funding
- Executive wellness programs
- Expense accounts for conferences and networking
6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
For highly sought-after candidates, companies may offer signing bonuses or relocation assistance to attract top talent. These one-time payments can range from $50,000 to $300,000, depending on the organization and candidate’s experience.
Total Compensation Potential
When factoring in base salary, bonuses, stock options, and additional incentives, the total compensation for a Chief R&D Officer in a leading CPG company can range from $400,000 to over $1 million annually, with high-growth or publicly traded firms offering even more lucrative packages.
How to Apply
If you are an innovative and results-driven leader with a strong background in research and development within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, we invite you to apply for the Chief R&D Officer role. This is a high-impact leadership position where you will drive product innovation, sustainability, and technological advancements to maintain the company’s competitive edge.
To apply, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your expertise in:
- Product innovation & development
- Sustainability & regulatory compliance
- Cost-effective R&D strategies
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Cutting-edge technology integration in CPG
Showcase your ability to lead high-performing teams, collaborate with marketing & operations, and enhance product pipelines to align with evolving consumer needs.
This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of CPG innovation by implementing disruptive technologies, improving product quality, and optimizing the research-to-market process. Apply today to advance your career as a Chief R&D Officer in the CPG industry!
For more information or to explore similar opportunities, visit our CPG Executive Recruiters Page.
Tags:
Chief R&D Officer | CPG Executive Jobs | Innovation & Research Leadership | Product Development Strategy | Sustainability & Compliance | Consumer Trends & Market Growth | Research-Driven Decision Making | Technology Integration in CPG | Executive Leadership in R&D
