About the position
The Director, Product Development & Innovation leads the ideation and commercialization of new product offerings across Grimmway Produce Group carrot, potato and organic vegetable categories, creating unique consumer-centric, and retail-ready innovations that span traditional fresh, value-added, and emerging cross-category opportunities. Sitting at the intersection of food, agriculture, and insight-driven marketing, this leader stewards the product development process from discovery to shelf, ensuring alignment with strategic growth initiatives across Marketing, Sales, Farming, and Operations. This position blends creative thinking with commercial acumen, inspiring the Product Development & Innovation team while driving differentiated value for customers, consumers, and growers.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Agribusiness, Marketing, or a related field; MBA preferred
- 8+ years of experience in product development or innovation within fresh produce, perishable CPG, or agrifood sectors
- Demonstrated success in launching fresh or refrigerated CPG products into retail or foodservice channels
- Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and managing a product innovation pipeline in a matrixed environment
- Strong understanding of packaging technologies and new product commercialization
- Strategic and financial acumen, with the ability to evaluate projects through cost modeling and ROI analysis
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; ability to adopt additional systems and tools
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills with the ability to influence across levels
- Strong organizational and project management skills, including calendar, timeline, and resource prioritization
- Ability to train, mentor, and develop team members to support a culture of innovation
- Valid driver's license with clean DMV record.
- Pass pre-placement drug/alcohol screen and background check
Nice-to-haves
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Proficiency in PLM tools, ERP systems, and analytics platforms (e.g., Nielsen, IRI, SPINS)
- Passion for sustainability and agriculture-driven innovation
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, seasonal business environment
Benefits
- Total Rewards: $145,000 - $190,000 / YEAR
- Vacation, sick, holiday pay
- Medical, dental, vision
- 401k matching
- FSA
- Tuition reimbursement
- Scholarship program
- Discounted tickets to major theme parks throughout California
- Continued learning and development
- Family events
- Work life balance
