Vice President of Research and Development

Summary

Join Once Upon a Farm as the Vice President of Research and Development and lead the innovation engine, overseeing all product development from concept to commercialization. You will build and manage a high-performing R&D team, driving benchtop innovation, rapid prototyping, and ingredient exploration. Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Marketing, Finance, and Sales to launch crave-worthy, clean-label products. Ensure regulatory and certification compliance (Organic, Non-GMO, Kosher, Clean Label), optimize R&D budgets, and represent the brand externally. This role requires a strong background in food science, extensive leadership experience, and a passion for creating healthy, organic products. The position is remote-first with some travel required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• At least 15 years of progressive food & beverage R&D leadership experience, including launching clean-label, organic, or natural products
• Deep technical expertise in benchtop formulation, process development, sensory evaluation, and commercialization
• Strong experience working closely with founders or early-stage leadership teams; entrepreneurial mindset and high agility
• Proven ability to lead small but mighty teams (~4 direct reports), balancing hands-on work with big-picture leadership
• Excellent decision-making, prioritization, project management, and cross-functional communication skills
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Outlook, Slack, and other professional platforms
• Deep passion for real food, organic farming, and creating a healthier planet through nutrition
• Experience working with co-manufacturers and navigating plant trials and commercialization processes
• Desire to contribute to a dynamic high-growth, purpose-driven work environment with changing priorities and bold goals
• Up to 30% travel required: Although this role is a remote work-from-home position, we “Farmers” do meet as a company and/or as a department a few times a year. Anticipate possible travel for plant trials, innovation sessions, and company meetings
• Must reside in the United States to be considered for this position
• Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Responsibilities

• Own and lead all product innovation initiatives from concept through commercialization, blending strategic foresight with hands-on benchtop formulation in the kitchen and lab
• Build and proactively manage a multi-year innovation pipeline aligned with brand goals, consumer insights, emerging trends, and business needs
• Lead a talented team of (currently 4) direct reports, providing mentorship, technical guidance, prioritization, and career development
• Drive benchtop innovation, rapid prototyping, and ingredient exploration to bring crave-worthy, clean-label products to life
• Partner directly with the Chief Innovation Officer and Company senior leadership team, contributing to high-level strategic conversations while operationalizing ideas with excellence and efficiency
• Champion cross-functional collaboration, partnering closely with Operations, Quality, Marketing, Finance, and Sales to bring new products successfully to market
• Develop and implement best-in-class R&D processes, including SOPs for innovation cycles, commercialization protocols, and sensory evaluation standards
• Lead and oversee plant trials, technical transfer to manufacturing partners, commercialization scale-up, and continuous product improvement
• Drive regulatory and certification compliance, including Organic, Non-GMO, Kosher, Clean Label, and other standards, ensuring products meet our commitment to clean, real food
• Stay hands-on and detail-oriented, conducting critical analytical testing (pH, Brix, viscosity, nutritional analysis) and maintaining high standards for documentation and reporting
• Quickly identify and solve technical challenges, ensuring recipe and manufacturing issues are rapidly diagnosed and addressed to maintain quality, timelines, and customer satisfaction
• Infuse agility into the innovation process, ensuring responsiveness to changing business needs, consumer insights, and market dynamics
• Own and optimize the R&D budget and resource allocation, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability as the business grows
• Represent Once Upon a Farm externally, contributing thought leadership at conferences, panels, and industry groups
• Infuse passion, creativity, and a founder’s mindset into every project and interaction, helping Once Upon a Farm grow its category leadership and social impact

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong familiarity with Genesis, Flavor Studio, and related nutritional/ingredient software preferred
• Previous exposure to cross-functional work between Sustainability and Product Development preferred

Benefits

• Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried
• The anticipated salary range for this position is $217,700.00 - $252,532.00 . The actual salary offer will carefully consider a few factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Certain positions are eligible for additional forms of compensation such as bonuses, stipends, equity, and role-specific perks
• Remote-first work environment
• Annual Bonus
• 401(k) program + 4% company match after three months
• New Hire Remote Life Stipend + annual Nourish and Nurture Allowance
• Monthly Cell and Internet Stipend
• Quarterly Farm-to-Fridge home deliveries and Employee Discounts
• New Parents: Up to 18 weeks of paid Parental Leave, Baby Steps Back To Work, 3 months’ supply of Once Upon A Farm products, and breast milk shipping service and support for those who travel after birth for the duration of your breastfeeding journey
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Paid Time Off to fulfill civic responsibilities including jury duty and voting in local, state, and national elections
• Medical Insurance for the employee covered at 100% on select plans with additional plan options at a reduced cost to the employee
• Vision and Dental Insurance covered at 100% for the employee and dependents
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending account (Medical & Dependent Care) and Health savings accounts for applicable plans
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• All other benefits, leaves, and insurance as required by law, based on your specific residence