Senior Director, Science and Innovation
hace 6 días
Modesto
Job Description Apply Here: The Senior Director, Science & Innovation, is a transformational leader responsible for driving innovation while overseeing the organization’s core science streams: production, pest management, biomass utilization, human nutrition, and environmental stewardship. This is a full time, exempt position based out of our headquarters in Modesto, CA with a hybrid work schedule. This role places innovation at the forefront - leading a small team dedicated to accelerating new uses for almonds in culinary, consumer packaged goods (CPG), military, and school/institutional channels. At the same time, the Sr. Director ensures that scientific excellence and credibility are maintained across all research domains, aligning them with innovation-driven goals that expand global demand for almonds, advance production practices, and strengthen stewardship outcomes. The following duties are typical of those performed by employees in this job title; however, employees may perform other related duties. Innovation Leadership & Demand Creation • Lead the innovation function for ABC, prioritizing new applications of almonds in culinary, institutional (schools, military), and CPG markets., • Develop and manage a robust innovation pipeline, balancing short-, mid-, and long-term opportunities., • Build partnerships with food and ingredient companies, startups, accelerators, and institutional buyers to accelerate commercialization of almond innovations., • Champion open innovation models (incubators, venture partnerships, design challenges) to generate fresh ideas and applications.Oversight of Science Streams, • Production Research: Oversee scientific studies that advance almond production and pest management practices, improve yields, and support grower success., • Biomass Utilization: Guide research into value-added uses for almond coproducts and circular economy solutions., • Nutrition Research: Ensure nutrition science programs support global marketing and public relations with credible, evidence-based outcomes., • Environmental Stewardship: Advance research in water efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, regenerative practices, and environmental positioning for almonds.Strategic Leadership, • Integrate science, research, and innovation strategies into a unified roadmap for ABC., • Anticipate and respond to global trends in food, agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability to keep almonds competitive and relevant.Partnerships & Ecosystem Building, • Establish and lead a Global Almond Innovation Network of universities, companies, NGOs, and government partners., • Represent ABC at national and international conferences, trade forums, and thought-leadership platforms., • Build strong alliances with academic institutions, regulators, NGOs, and commercial partners to advance almond science and innovation worldwide.Committee Participation & Leadership, • Lead and provide strategic direction to ABC’s Strategic Ag Innovation Committee, and Innovation Workgroup, ensuring alignment with research and innovation priorities., • Actively participate in and provide expertise to key committees including: Nutrition Research Committee, Global Market Development (GMD) Committee, and multiple working groups and task forces., • Support and advise other Board committees on scientific, nutrition, and innovation-related investments and strategies., • Oversee grant administration, contract approvals, and annual research/innovation budget reviews for committees., • Serve as a primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors on matters related to research, nutrition, sustainability, and innovation.Team Leadership & Culture, • Inspire and manage a Science & Innovation team spanning innovation specialists and scientific program leads., • Build a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and collaboration across all science and innovation functions., • Mentor direct reports, set clear performance goals, drive accountability, and promote professional development., • Uphold and support ABC standards, policies, and procedures. QUALIFICATIONS: Skills and Competencies: • Innovation Leadership: Demonstrated success in driving demand, leading innovation, creating incremental growth, and building commercialization pathways. Scientific Expertise: Strong background across agriculture, regulatory and related government entities (USDA and others), food science, nutrition, and sustainability., • Strategic Vision: Ability to design and execute global, cross-functional strategies., • Commercial Acumen: Understanding of institutional markets, CPG pathways, and consumer adoption cycles., • Global Mindset: Experience leading international collaborations and navigating cross-cultural markets., • Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to build and sustain alliances with diverse stakeholders., • Leadership & Management: Proven success in leading multidisciplinary teams and advising Board-level committees., • Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to translate science and innovation into compelling narratives for technical, industry, and public audiences., • Governance & Influence: Skilled at working with committees, boards, and external advisory groups to drive alignment and impact., • Exceptional interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships. Other Requirements: • Must be able to obtain and maintain valid passports for international travel Education And Experience: A typical way to obtain the above knowledge and skill is a combination of education and experience equivalent to: • PhD strongly preferred in food science, nutrition, agriculture, or sustainability., • 15+ years of senior leadership experience in research, innovation, or scientific affairs, ideally within agriculture, food, or CPG industries., • Committee/Board Experience: Prior involvement in committee or board governance is highly desirable., • Management: Proven ability to lead both technical and innovation-focused teams, with significant budget and resource oversight. Strength in collaborating as a member of an executive team., • Impact: Track record of translating science into measurable market growth and stewardship outcomes. Physical Characteristics: The physical abilities involved in the performance of essential duties are: • Working at a computer for extended periods of time, • Vision sufficient to read handwritten and printed documents and computer screens, • Speech and hearing sufficient to communicate by phone and in person, • Manual dexterity sufficient to use a variety of office equipment and tools, computer keyboards, and to manipulate papers., • May lift up to 30 pounds and manipulate heavier objects using dollies., • Domestic and international travel to exceed 30%, • Occasional field visits with exposure to noise, dust, odors, and compounds commonly used in a farm/food processing setting, and mechanical equipment in the orchard and process environment