Research and Development Specialist in Gainesville

Job Description

Confidential Search: R&D Specialist – Shape the Future of Food Innovation

Be the driving force behind a nationwide brand transformation!

gpac is partnering with a leading poultry company as they undergo a complete rebrand and expand into major national retailers including Walmart, Costco, and Aldi. This is your chance to join the core innovation team driving this exciting transformation—where your expertise will directly shape the products that define our new identity in the national marketplace.

The Opportunity

As our R&D Specialist, you’ll combine food science expertise with culinary creativity to develop innovative products that capture today’s food trends and bring them to market.

Your work will directly support our rebranding efforts and nationwide retail launch, from concept development to customer presentations, while ensuring all products meet the highest food safety standards.

What You’ll Do

• Maintain and oversee our culinary R&D lab
• Research emerging food trends and translate them into market-ready products
• Develop and refine formulations that align with our new brand vision
• Collaborate with sales teams and present products to key customers
• Support the complete commercialization process from bench to shelf
• Ensure compliance with SQF, HACCP, and BRC standards

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Culinology, or related field
• 3–5 years of food R&D experience (poultry preferred, food manufacturing required)
• Strong knowledge of bench sampling and commercialization processes
• Culinary skills paired with technical expertise
• Ability to confidently organize and deliver customer presentations
• Bonus: FSIS labeling and nutritional software experience

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Play a key role in a nationwide rebrand and retail expansion
• Own your projects—from concept to commercialization
• Competitive benefits: comprehensive medical, 401(k) with match, HSA, life insurance, generous PTO, employee discounts, and assistance programs
• Gain career-defining experience working with major national retailers

Are you ready to turn trends into retail reality?

Apply now or send your confidential resume and availability to Tanya Allison at tanya.allison@gogpac.com for immediate consideration.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.