KITCHENTOWN
San Mateo, California

About KitchenTown (We’re doing a lot!)

• KitchenTown Food Innovation Lab develops food and beverages for an array of global food companies as well some of the most innovative food and food-tech startups in the world.
• KitchenTown has a consumer research team conducting primary and secondary research, sensory testing, and market landscape reports for clients.
• KitchenTown has a 20,000 sq.ft. GMP production facility where we can manufacture and package a variety food products and where 20+ food startups are incubated for 1-2 years.
• KitchenTown recently launched a Venture Studio to create joint venture startups with entrepreneurs. The Food Innovation Lab will work closely with the Venture Studio team.

Job Purpose and Summary
Our practice area spans virtually every food category, and the open position of Director of the Food Innovation Lab leads our team of scientists and technologists to bring a wide variety of food products to life in a fast paced, entrepreneurial and exciting atmosphere.

The role of Senior / Principal Food Scientist is one of the most important roles at KitchenTown and is responsible for leading the development of products across multiple product categories through all phases of the development process from benchtop to small batch production to commercialization.

This role is for a senior or principal scientist with 8+ years of CPG food development and technical leadership experience to help us grow our food development and innovation practice. Candidates must be able to demonstrate strong technical knowledge and expertise across multiple food categories. Candidates must possess extraordinary people leadership and collaboration and communication skills and enjoy working on a small nimble team in a lab setting. The Product Innovation team works in constant collaboration to pursue end-to-end innovation for multiple clients.

Primary Responsibilities

• Build a team and processes for formulating new products from benchtop to production scale for multiple product categories
• Lead development of new products across multiple product categories and throughout all phases of product development – from initial bench development, small batch production to commercial launch
• Manage time, resources, and priorities across multiple projects in collaboration with the team
• Manage a team of scientists and technicians
• Engage cross functionally with production, strategy and Venture Studio teams
• Provide technical expertise, reports, and presentations to clients
• Communicate effectively with clients and team members
• Plan and lead execution of day-to-day project and lab activities
• Lead plant trials, create finished product specs, plant trial protocol and summary documents
• Lead new ingredient sourcing, evaluation, costing, qualification and specification, developing nutritional specs, and other product development activities
• Build clear work plans, design of experiments and success criteria for new products
• Lead client interactions and manage project intakes and updates
• Create, design and conduct sensory tests
• Plan and lead execution of day-to-day project and lab activities
• Scale up formulations and attend plant trials at co-manufacturers as needed

Requirements

• Food science master’s degree or equivalent industry experience
• 8+ years of hands-on experience in food development and commercialization
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise judgment in project execution
• Deep understanding in operating food process technologies, equipment and vendors
• Experience developing better-for-you products. Culinary experience preferred.
• Experience leading product development from concept to shelf (including commercialization)
• Thrive working in a lean fast-paced innovation-centric environment
• Creative problem solver and team player
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
• Ability to work in-person at our Product Innovation Lab in San Mateo, CA.
• Willing to travel domestically as required by client and project needs (10%)
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Passion for creating new and exciting products
• Ability to be flexible with changing priorities and timelines

Why you?
Being a part of the KitchenTown team fully immerses you in the world of food. You are technically curious and passionate about food. You want to work on different types of projects spanning startups, and big companies. You’re a self-starter, enthusiastic and have a problem solving attitude.

KitchenTown offers competitive benefits including: PTO, 401K, health, dental, vision, as well as stock options, and volunteer time off (VTO) to help serve our communities.

Work on-site in the San Francisco Bay Area at our 20,000+ sq ft campus that houses multiple facilities including a food development lab, offices, and an on-site manufacturing plant.

Why Us?
KitchenTown is a community of entrepreneurs, innovators, problem solvers, creative leaders, and hard working individuals committed to bringing remarkable food products to market.

KitchenTown works side-by-side with food companies at any size or stage to inspire the next generation of food. We combine our production facilities and food science lab, with expertise in product development, commercialization, consumer insights, investment, and corporate strategy—to build a community of changemakers and conscious consumers collaborating in a global shift toward better food.

Since our founding in 2014 we’ve helped hundreds of companies ideate, launch, and scale products and businesses. Our team is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with partnerships in Berlin and Tokyo.

KitchenTown is committed to hiring, working with, and welcoming people of all races, classes, colors, national origins, religions, genders, gender identities and/or expressions, sexual orientations, cultures, military or veteran statuses, and abilities. KitchenTown is an equal opportunity employer.

Join us! 
Salary Range 
Competitive Comp Package: $150,000 – $180,000 plus benefits, equity

To Apply 
Submit a CV and Cover Letter telling us why you think you’d be a good fit for this role.
Send to careers@kitchentowncentral.com with the subject line: Director of Food Development.

Thank You!