Senior RDA Director - Process Technology

About Kerry

It’s an exciting time to join Kerry and we are hiring a Senior Director of Research & Development, Process Technology for Food business. The Senior Director will lead the development, optimization, and commercialization of processing technologies that enable scalable, efficient, and differentiated food ingredient and finished product manufacturing. 

About the role

This role drives process capability across the Food EUM portfolio, enabling superior product performance, improved cost-in-use, operational excellence, and sustainability impact. The Director works cross-functionally across Product Development, Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Commercial, and Global R&D to translate business strategies into robust, commercially viable processing solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year Process Technology strategy aligned to Food EUM growth platforms and innovation pillars.

• Anticipate market, consumer, and regulatory trends to identify future-ready processing capabilities.

• Build a technology roadmap that links pilot-scale needs, manufacturing capability investments, digitalization opportunities, and sustainability improvement pathways.

• Lead the design, development, optimization, and validation of process technologies used across the Food EUM portfolio (e.g., thermal processing, extraction, concentration, mixing, fermentation, enzymatic modification, reaction technologies).

• Oversee scale-up and commercialization from lab and pilot to full manufacturing.

• Drive sustainability into all processing solutions, including energy efficiency, water reduction, and waste minimization.

• Ensure strong experimental design, statistical rigor (DOE, SPC, Six Sigma), and technical documentation.

• Lead complex troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and long-term corrective action systems.

• Oversee process characterization to ensure robustness, repeatability, and regulatory compliance.

• Partner with Product Development to ensure product designs are process-capable and scalable.

• Collaborate with Operations and Engineering on equipment specification, commissioning, and technology transfer.

• Support Quality & Regulatory teams to ensure food safety, compliance, and audit readiness.

• Align closely with Commercial teams to understand customer requirements and co-develop technical solutions.

• Manage collaborations with universities, suppliers, startups, and third-party research partners.

Qualifications and skills

• BS or Master’s in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Food Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related technical discipline.

• 10+ years in process development, food manufacturing technology, or engineering leadership.

• Demonstrated success scaling processes from concept through commercial launch.

• Experience in food, ingredients, fermentation, specialty chemicals, or other process-intensive sectors.

• Proven track record of delivering efficiency improvements, yield enhancements, and new capability deployment.

• Expertise in food-relevant unit operations (e.g., spray drying, thermal processing, extrusion, evaporation, mixing, filtration, fermentation, emulsification).

• Strong knowledge of process modeling, simulation tools, and advanced analytics.

• Familiarity with automation architectures, sensors, and digital manufacturing technologies.

• Understanding of global food

safety standards and regulatory requirements.

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and customer orientation.

• Effective communicator able to influence across R&D, operations, and senior leadership.

The typical hiring range for this role is 177,068 to 311,396 and is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, location, etc.  In addition to your pay, Kerry offers benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and retirement contribution (all benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements). 

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Employment will be offered only to individuals legally authorized to work in the United States. Offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.