About the role

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of R&D to lead our Stocks and Broths platform in North America. This role will drive innovation, technical leadership, and product development across customer segments including retail, QSR, foodservice, and industrial manufacturing. The Director will be responsible for shaping the future of authentic, clean label, and functional stocks and broths, partnering closely with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver value through science-backed, culinary-inspired solutions.

This is a high-impact leadership role that combines strategic thinking with hands-on technical expertise, offering the opportunity to directly influence product innovation for major North American food brands.

Key responsibilities

Strategic & Technical Leadership

• Lead the North America R&D strategy for the Stocks and Broths portfolio, aligning with regional commercial goals and global R&D platforms

• Identify and capitalize on growth opportunities by leveraging consumer trends, customer insights, and emerging technical capabilities

• Drive development of clean label, natural, and functional ingredient solutions with differentiated sensory and nutritional benefits

• Stay current with industry trends, competitive landscape, and regulatory changes affecting the stocks and broths category

Innovation & Product Development

• Lead product development across diverse platforms, including shelf-stable, refrigerated, and frozen formats

• Oversee end-to-end R&D processes from bench-scale research through pilot testing to full-scale production in Kerry and customer facilities

• Partner with process engineering, culinary, sensory, and regulatory teams to ensure technical feasibility, regulatory compliance, and consumer appeal

• Establish and maintain technical standards, protocols, and best practices for the stocks and broths platform

Customer Partnership & Business Development

• Act as a trusted technical advisor and innovation partner to key North American customers, providing deep expertise in culinary and savory solutions

• Lead technical discussions, co-creation sessions, and product presentations with customers

• Support business development efforts by translating customer needs into viable technical solutions

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customer R&D and procurement teams

Team Development & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of food scientists, technologists, and culinary developers across multiple locations

• Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture focused on scientific rigor, curiosity, and measurable business impact

• Work closely with commercial, operations, supply chain, quality, and regulatory teams to ensure seamless project execution

• Champion knowledge sharing and best practice development within the broader Kerry R&D organization

Qualifications and skills

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field required; advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD) considered an asset • 10+ years of progressive R&D experience in the meat or food industry, with demonstrated expertise in broths, stocks, fats, or protein-based products

• 5+ years of leadership experience managing technical teams and complex projects

• Proven track record of leading product development projects from concept through successful commercialization

Technical Expertise

• Expertise in meat science, protein functionality, and thermal processing as applied to stocks and broths

• Knowledge of scale-up processes and manufacturing considerations for liquid food products

• Familiarity with U.S. regulatory standards (FDA, USDA) and customer quality requirements

· Deep understanding of clean label formulation principles and natural processing technologies (hydrolysis, fermentation, extraction)