Senior Director, R&D - North America Product Development

Fresh-Squeezed Legacy, Bold New Chapter 

Tropicana Brands Group is a $3B startup aiming to revolutionize the beverage category. Formed in 2022 as a joint venture between PAI Partners and PepsiCo, our portfolio includes iconic brands like Tropicana, Naked, KeVita, Izze, Copella, and Punica. With over 76 years of global leadership in the orange juice category, we’re committed to preserving this legacy while driving innovation in other areas. From reimagining orange juice to creating functional smoothies and driving afternoon refreshments, we are striving to become the undisputed global leader in fresh and chilled beverages.  

The Research & Development (R&D) team drives short- and long-term innovation, product development, citrus quality and expertise and technological advancements across its juice and beverage portfolio. Focused on creating unique flavors, enhancing nutritional value, and improving formulations, the team ensures products meet evolving consumer preferences. They lead projects from concept to launch, ensuring efficient execution while aligning with business goals. Committed to sustainability, they develop innovative packaging solutions that are biodegradable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly. Additionally, they uphold rigorous nutritional science and regulatory standards, validating health claims and ensuring compliance. With a strong emphasis on food safety, quality, and process engineering, the team optimizes manufacturing systems to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain product excellence. Collaborating closely with scientists, nutritionists, and engineers, Tropicana’s R&D team plays a crucial role in keeping products competitive, sustainable, and aligned with market demands. 

Your Next Pour: The Opportunity 

We are looking to add a Senior Director, R&D and Product Development – North America to our Research & Development team. This role will be responsible for leading innovation, cost engineering, design-to-consumer value, and ecosystem initiatives across North America. The Senior Director will drive strategic product development efforts, ensuring alignment with consumer insights and business objectives while fostering collaboration across global teams, including all R&D functions (Process and Package Engineering, Governance, Nutrition and Regulatory, and Food Safety and Quality). Tropicana is looking for a critical thinker with exceptional communication, influencing, and relationship management skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Additional responsibilities include: 

• Lead North America Product Development strategy, ensuring innovation and cost optimization align with both R&D global strategy and overall organizational goals.  


• Leads the Citrus Quality Team, that researches and unlocks foundational science around Orange varietals, blend management and delivering a competitive specification in taste and preference.  


• Oversee development of new products and reformulations to meet consumer needs and regulatory requirements. 


• Drive design-to-value initiatives to enhance product competitiveness and profitability. 


• Manage ecosystem partnerships across suppliers, university research partners, and technology start-up partners to accelerate the advancement of new technologies to drive innovation and leverage external capabilities. 


• Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of up to 5 direct report people leaders, including Product Innovation, Design to Value, Technology Innovation, and Citrus Quality teams.  


• Collaborate across all R&D functions including Process and Package Engineering, Governance, Nutrition and Regulatory, and Food Safety and Quality, as well as cross-functional teams (Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain) to ensure seamless product launches in Stage / Gate Meetings, Portfolio Management Review and in strategic sessions 


• Report directly to the Global Head of R&D, key member of the R&DLT and contribute to global innovation strategy. 


• Presenting directly to the CEO and the Executive Committee on Innovation, Citrus Quality, and on long term innovation 


• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and scientific excellence. 

The Perfect Blend: Experience 

• 15+ years of progressive experience in R&D and product development within the food and beverage industry. 


• Proven track record of leading innovation and cost engineering initiatives at scale. 


• Strong background in consumer-centric product design and commercialization. 


• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and fostering talent development. 


• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cross-functional alignment. 


• Familiarity with regulatory compliance and quality standards in North America. 

Foundational Ingredients: Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field OR minimum 15 years of relevant experience. 


• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future. 


• Must be located in the Chicago, IL surrounding area or willing to relocate for the duration of employment. 


• Willingness to adapt and thrive in a blended work environment with 3-days in office, seamlessly transitioning between remote work and in-office operations. 


• Travel up to 20%. 

Perks That Pack a Punch  

TBG is pleased to offer you a comprehensive benefits package which includes a 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, company provided life, STD and LTD insurance. In addition, you may also elect to participate in voluntary life, accident, hospital, and critical illness coverages.   

IL Residents: The salary range for this position is $181,000 to $254,000 annually