Join Our Team

JOB SUMMARY
The Senior Director of R&D will co-lead product innovation, renovation, and cost savings efforts across multiple food categories (current categories are frozen pizza, ready-to-eat cookies, dog treats, dressings, pasta sauce, salsa, refrigerated lemonade/drinks, olive oil, and microwave popcorn). This role combines technical expertise with strategic leadership to drive consumer-centric innovation while ensuring compliance with food safety, regulatory, and quality standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Product Development & Commercialization
• Lead product development across multiple food categories, delivering innovation, renovation, and cost savings in partnership with third-party contract manufacturers.
• Guide cross-functional teams using project management tools to ensure on-time execution from ideation through commercialization.
• Attend and approve pilot trials and process validations with co-packers to meet quality, cost, and launch objectives.
• Maintain and evolve R&D systems, including formula repositories, specifications, retain samples, and process documentation.

2. Manufacturing & Supplier Partnerships
• Build and manage relationships with co-packers, external partners, and suppliers to scale product and process innovations.
• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) across all contract manufacturing locations.
• Lead supplier verification programs and conduct audits to ensure ingredient and packaging supplier compliance with quality and regulatory standards.
• Encourage or require third-party food safety certifications (e.g., SQF, BRCGS) for all contract manufacturers.

3. Regulatory Compliance (Human Food & Pet Food)
• Ensure full compliance with FDA regulations for acidified foods (21 CFR 108 & 114), including process filings, acidification controls, and pH validation.
• Work with Quality to meet FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices (21 CFR 117) under FSMA, including review of Copacker Food Safety Plans, hazard analyses, and preventive controls.
• Ensure pet products comply with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, including exclusive use of GRAS or FDA/AAFCO-approved ingredients.
• Oversee copacker compliance with state registration requirements for both human and pet foods.
• Ensure FDA and AAFCO label compliance for both human and pet products, including Nutrition Facts, ingredient statements, allergen declarations, and marketing claims.
• Verify all packaging materials meet FDA food-contact regulations (21 CFR 174–186) and prevent adulteration.
• Partner with Quality to maintain robust traceability, recall procedures, and batch recordkeeping systems for full compliance and product accountability.
• Collaborate with Legal and Regulatory teams to assess and manage risks related to ingredients, claims, and new processes.

4. Strategic & Cross-Functional Leadership
• Represent R&D in strategic forums and cross-functional decision-making, offering technical leadership and fact-based recommendations.
• Support quality and food safety standards in partnership with the Sr. Director of Quality.
• Oversee and manage the R&D operating budget.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
• Bachelor’s degree in food science or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• 10–15 years of food & beverage product development experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven expertise in Food Safety by Design and risk mitigation during product development.
• Deep familiarity with U.S. FDA regulations for acidified foods (21 CFR 108 & 114) is required.
• Demonstrated ability to translate consumer insights into successful food products.
• Strong leadership and communication skills; ability to influence across all levels and disciplines.
• Hands-on experience with bench work, pilot trials, and commercialization.
• Strong sensory and culinary capabilities; passion for food quality and innovation.

OUR BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
• Consumer-Centric: Food quality is paramount. Marketing reflects the consumer's perspective.
• Speed to Market: The organization values rapid progress. Failure is an opportunity for quick iteration or adjustment. Major decisions are made within 48 hours rather than several weeks.
• Simplicity: Adhere to a one-page rule for concise communication. Ensure initial discussion before documentation. The focus is brand and category strategies. Prioritize elements we can control.
• Accountability: We take responsibility for results. Meetings begin with a purpose and end with clear next steps. Everyone actively participates at Newman’s Own—no passive observers.
• Professional and Organizational Pride: We take pride in quality work and always stay committed to excellence. We’re connected & invested in our purpose of giving 100% of our profits to help children in need.

WHAT WE OFFER
• Competitive base salary and annual performance-based incentive compensation. There is no long-term incentive plan at Newman’s Own.
• Generous benefits package.
• Meaningful work that directly helps kids in need through Newman’s Own Foundation.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial and mission-driven culture.

OUR COMMITMENT
Newman's Own is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can contribute their best work. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our passion for making a positive impact helping kids in need.

TRAVEL & WORK LOCATION
Willingness to travel up to 25%. Occasional local day travel as needed. This is a Westport, CT based position that requires working in the office 4 days per week.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is an office-based role with minimal physical requirements.

To apply, please email your resume HERE.

JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Amazon/E-Commerce will lead and grow Newman’s Own’s Amazon business, driving strategy, execution, and profitability. This role is responsible for developing and executing the Amazon channel strategy, optimizing digital performance, and collaborating across teams to deliver strong financial results. This role also acts as the company center of excellence for E-Commerce and omni-channel expertise.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Amazon Strategy and Execution
• Own and execute the end-to-end Amazon business strategy with full accountability for channel performance.
• Optimize the 4Ps (Product/Content, Price, Placement and Promotion) for Amazon, ensuring best in class competitiveness.
• Launch and manage all existing shelf-stable categories and co-lead development of Amazon-specific innovations.
• Track category trends, competitive performance, and market share within Amazon.

Digital Optimization and Customer Experience
• Optimize digital advertising, SEO, content, and customer experience to drive traffic, conversion, and growth.
• Monitor advertising performance and ROI to refine promotional plans and media spend.
• Stay current on Amazon platform changes, category dynamics, and emerging best practices.

Financial Ownership and Performance Management
• Manage the Amazon P&L, ensuring positive cash flow and long-term improved profitability.
• Co-lead with Supply Chain and Finance the forecasting for Amazon sales, inventory, and promotional demand.
• Provide performance reporting and insights to senior leadership, highlighting KPIs, risks and opportunities.

Company Center of Excellence
• Share insights and best practices with other E-Commerce (e.g., Chewy) and omni-channel customer teams to support broader retail performance.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5+ years of Amazon and other e-commerce experience, with deep expertise in Amazon Seller Central.
• CPG food industry experience preferred.
• Proven success managing Amazon P&L, including the four Ps.
• Strong understanding of the 4Ps (Product/Content, Price, Placement and Promotion), including Amazon search/media tools (e.g., Amazon Ads, Brand Analytics).
• Proficiency in forecasting, sales analytics and data-driven decision making.
• Familiarity with omni-channel retail dynamics and experience supporting brick-and-mortar and hybrid retailers preferred.
• Skilled in cross-functional collaboration, especially with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and e-commerce analytics tools (e.g., Helium 10, Jungle Scout, Profitero).
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

OUR BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
• Consumer-Centric: Food quality is paramount. Marketing reflects the consumer's perspective.
• Speed to Market: The organization values rapid progress. Failure is an opportunity for quick iteration or adjustment. Major decisions are made within 48 hours rather than several weeks.
• Simplicity: Adhere to a one-page rule for concise communication. Ensure initial discussion before documentation. The focus is brand and category strategies. Prioritize elements we can control.
• Accountability: We take responsibility for results. Meetings begin with a purpose and end with clear next steps. Everyone actively participates at Newman’s Own—no passive observers.
• Professional and Organizational Pride: We take pride in quality work and always stay committed to excellence. We’re connected & invested in our purpose of giving 100% of our profits to help children in need.

WHAT WE OFFER
• Competitive base salary and annual performance-based incentive compensation. There is no long-term incentive plan at Newman’s Own.
• Generous benefits package.
• Meaningful work that directly helps kids in need through Newman’s Own Foundation.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial and mission-driven culture.

OUR COMMITMENT
Newman's Own is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can contribute their best work. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our passion for making a positive impact helping kids in need.

TRAVEL & WORK LOCATION
Willingness to travel up to 25%. Occasional local day travel as needed. This is a Westport, CT based position that requires working in the office 4 days per week.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is an office-based role with minimal physical requirements.

To apply, please email your resume HERE.

JOB SUMMARY
The Marketing Innovation Director is responsible for leading new product development and commercialization across the company's North American product portfolio. This includes diverse categories such as frozen pizza, salad dressings, pasta sauce, salsa, oil & vinegar, cookies, popcorn, lemonade, and dog treats. The Marketing Director will drive innovation through strategic planning, consumer insights, cross-functional collaboration, and effective project management. This role requires developing and maintaining a 3-year innovation roadmap, testing and qualifying new product concepts, and implementing core innovation processes. In addition, the ideal candidate can adopt our scrappy, consumer-centric approach, is hands-on, and a go-getter with the ability to pivot to where the business needs are. They must be comfortable in ambiguity and able to work in a self-advised environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Innovation Roadmap Development
• Develop and maintain an agile product and packaging 3-year innovation roadmap for strategic growth categories.
• Ensure alignment with cross-functional teams and senior leadership on the innovation strategy.

Consumer Insights and Innovation Ideation
• Identify emerging consumer needs and insights, to deepen consumer knowledge across core the company’s categories (frozen pizza, cookies, dressings, pasta sauce, lemonade, and dog treats).
• Translate insights and trends into actionable product growth opportunities across the NOI portfolio.
• Collaborate with Sales, Amazon Team, R&D, Supply Chain, and external partners to vet and develop robust innovation ideas that win with target consumers.

Product Concept Development and Testing
• Develop, test, and qualify new product concepts with consumers to support the innovation pipeline.

Innovation Process Implementation
• Leverage core innovation processes and procedures such as an innovation stage gate process and internal project management tools to document and steer projects.

External Partnership and Trend Identification
• Partner with external strategic partners to identify trends and inputs for the innovation planning process.

Agency Management and Packaging
• Manage relationships with packaging design and production agencies.

Project & Leadership Budget
• Lead all innovation initiatives with cross-functional teams, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery
• Develop and manage the innovation budget.

Marketing Planning and Trade Sell-In
• Participate in the annual marketing planning process.
• Collaborate with Sales planning to develop trade sell-in materials for all innovations.
• Proficient in leveraging syndicated databases to extract product, category, and competitive insights for informed assortment, pricing, and distribution decisions.
• Share insights with the broader marketing team to inform overall marketing strategies and tactics.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
• BA/BS and MBA degrees preferred
• Minimum of 8 - 10 years of experience in CPG brand management leading new product development.
• Experience in CPG food is preferred; experience at small to mid-size companies is a plus.
• Strategic thought leadership and new product development expertise.
• Ability to balance long-term strategic priorities with short-term business needs.
• Project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• A change agent with the ability to embrace change and initiate new & improved ways of working
• Strong analytical and brand management skills, including consumer insight development and concept writing.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative consumer research.
• Effective agency management skills.
• Ability to work well collaboratively and independently.
• Highly creative with a passion for food innovation.
• Self-motivated, a self-starter with problem-solving and can-do attitude.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Project, PowerPoint, and Word.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
• Consumer-Centric: Food quality is paramount. Marketing reflects the consumer's perspective.
• Speed to Market: The organization values rapid progress. Failure is an opportunity for quick iteration or adjustment. Major decisions are made within 48 hours rather than several weeks.
• Simplicity: Adhere to a one-page rule for concise communication. Ensure initial discussion before documentation. The focus is brand and category strategies. Prioritize elements we can control.
• Accountability: We take responsibility for results. Meetings begin with a purpose and end with clear next steps. Everyone actively participates at Newman’s Own—no passive observers.
• Professional and Organizational Pride: We take pride in quality work and always stay committed to excellence. We’re connected & invested in our purpose of giving 100% of our profits to help children in need.

TRAVEL
This position may require overnight travel, and/or occasional local day travel as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is a hybrid role, currently requiring regular work from our Westport, CT office, for up to 4 days a week, with minimal physical requirements.

To apply, please email your resume HERE