Vice President of Product Research - Bovita Labs

Select Milk Producers is one of the nation’s largest and most progressive dairy cooperatives, with 32 wholly owned subsidiaries, 12 processing plants, and 8 joint ventures including Fair Oaks Farms, Continental Dairy Facilities, Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest, Mill Haven Foods, Select Custom Solutions, GreenLink and Select Services. With over 1,000 employees, the Select Milk family of companies impacts all aspects of the dairy farm business and at the heart of our family of companies, is you.

"We strive to go above and beyond what’s expected in providing for our families, leading our employees, caring for our land and animals, serving our customers, producing quality milk, and serving one another. This commitment is more than our business, it’s in our culture and our character. We believe in being accountable, in doing what’s right, in performing at our best, in setting a higher standard."

Select Milk Producers and its subsidiaries offer attractive compensation and a best-in-class benefits package that includes but is not limited to medical, vision, dental, life insurance, and more that can be tailored for you and your family. Other benefits for eligible employees include 401(k) up to 6% company match, life and disability insurance, and paid holidays & vacation. We are proud to promote an equal employment opportunity workplace.

Select Milk Producers, a leading dairy cooperative dedicated to innovation in dairy-based products, is seeking a VP of R&D - Ingredients (or GM & Chief Scientist) to lead the research, development, and commercialization of cutting-edge dairy ingredient solutions. This executive role will be responsible for driving strategic initiatives in dairy innovation, with a strong focus on colostrum, functional dairy proteins, and novel ingredient applications. The ideal candidate is a dynamic and visionary leader with deep technical expertise in dairy science, food technology, and ingredient innovation. They will spearhead customer-driven R&D, collaborate closely with sales and marketing teams, and build industry and academic partnerships to drive business growth and scientific advancements.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Innovation

• Develop and execute the R&D strategy for dairy ingredients, aligning with the cooperative’s long-term business objectives.
• Lead a cross-functional team of scientists, food technologists, and application specialists to drive ingredient innovation.
• Identify and capitalize on emerging trends in colostrum-based products, functional dairy proteins, and nutritional applications.
• Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within the R&D organization to accelerate product development cycles.

Product Development & Commercialization

• Oversee the development and optimization of dairy-derived ingredients, ensuring technical feasibility and market viability.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and commercialization teams to translate technical innovations into customer-focused solutions.
• Develop prototype applications for colostrum-based and dairy protein products tailored to health, nutrition, and functional food markets.
• Establish and enhance sensory evaluation, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance programs for new ingredients.

Industry Partnerships & Research Collaboration

• Build and strengthen partnerships with universities, research consortia, and external R&D collaborators to advance dairy ingredient science.
• Represent the cooperative at industry conferences, trade shows, and technical forums, positioning the company as a thought leader in dairy innovation.
• Engage with regulatory agencies and industry groups to support the development of standards and best practices for dairy ingredient applications.

Operational & Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor a high-performing R&D team, fostering technical excellence and professional growth.
• Drive continuous improvement in R&D processes, from ideation to scale-up and commercialization.
• Ensure efficient resource allocation and budgeting for R&D initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Dairy Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in dairy ingredient innovation, R&D leadership, and commercialization.
• Strong expertise in colostrum, whey proteins, casein, and functional dairy-based ingredients.
• Proven ability to translate scientific research into market-driven products.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing global partnerships.
• Stro