Job Title

The Director of Product Development will lead innovation and commercialization for Califia Farms portfolio of plant-based beverages, including plant-based milks, creamers, barista, coffees, ready-to-drink beverages, and adjacent platforms. This role is responsible for building and executing a forward-thinking innovation pipeline that delivers exceptional taste, functionality, nutrition, and scalability while aligning with brand positioning and financial targets.The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in plant-based formulation, beverage processing (including aseptic/UHT), ingredient functionality (proteins, emulsifiers, stabilizers), and commercialization within both entrepreneurial and structured CPG environments.This position is based at our Bakersfield, CA manufacturing facility.Innovation Strategy & Portfolio LeadershipDevelop and execute a multi-year innovation roadmap aligned with growth, margin, and brand objectivesIdentify whitespace opportunities across plant-based dairy alternatives, functional beverages, and emerging categoriesTranslate consumer insights, sensory trends, and sustainability goals into differentiated product conceptsBalance breakthrough innovation with renovation, cost optimization, and quality improvement initiativesPlant-Based Beverage Formulation & DevelopmentLead formulation of plant-based milks (oat, almond, soy, coconut, etc.), creamers, and RTD beveragesOptimize protein systems, emulsification, hydrocolloid stabilization, sweetness systems, and flavor maskingEnsure products deliver on key functional attributes: foamability, heat stability (for coffee), mouthfeel, shelf stability, and textureDrive nutritional targets (e.g., protein content, sugar reduction, fortification) while maintaining superior sensory performanceCommercialization & Scale-UpOversee end-to-end stage-gate process from benchtop through pilot plant and commercial productionLead scale-up for aseptic/UHT processing, homogenization, HTST, and co-manufacturing environmentsPartner with Operations and Supply Chain to ensure manufacturability, ingredient security, and cost targetsTroubleshoot plant trials, manage first production runs, and resolve stability or quality challengesTechnical & Regulatory OversightEnsure compliance with FDA regulations, labeling requirements, and claim substantiation (e.g., non-dairy, allergen-free, protein claims)Oversee shelf-life validation, packaging compatibility, and quality assurance alignmentEvaluate emerging plant proteins, clean-label stabilizers, and sustainable ingredient innovationsMaintain awareness of evolving regulatory and competitive landscape in plant-based beveragesCross-Functional LeadershipPartner closely with Marketing, Sales, Finance, Procurement, and Operations to align innovation with business objectivesPresent pipeline updates and commercialization plans to executive leadershipSupport pricing strategy and margin modeling through formulation and ingredient optimizationTeam Development & Process ExcellenceBuild and mentor a high-performing R&D and beverage development teamEstablish strong documentation practices, formulation databases, and technical standardsImplement KPIs to track speed to market, cost targets, and innovation revenue contributionFoster a culture of curiosity, agility, and continuous improvementRequiredBachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred15+ years of product development experience in dairy and/or plant-based beverages (foods)5+ years of leadership experienceProven track record launching commercialized dairy and/or plant-based beverages at scaleDeep knowledge of plant protein systems, emulsions, stabilizers, sweeteners, and flavor systemsExperience with aseptic/UHT processing and co-manufacturing networksPreferredPrior experience at a large, established CPG company with exposure to structured innovation processes and national-scale commercializationExperience in dairy/dairy alternatives (oat, almond, soy, coconut, pea-based systems)Familiarity with barista functionality and coffee applicationsSensory evaluation and consumer testing expertiseKey CompetenciesStrong commercial and margin acumenTechnical depth in beverage systemsAgile decision-maker in fast-paced CPG environmentsCross-functional collaboratorData-driven and process-orientedStrategic thinker with executional disciplineSuccess MetricsInnovation-driven revenue growthOn-time, on-budget product launchesMargin improvement through formulation optimizationSuccessful plant scale-ups with minimal quality deviationsTeam engagement and retentionThe expected salary range for this position is between $160,000 - $175,000 per year based on a full-time schedule. Location, confirmed job-related skills and experience will be considered in setting the actual salary. As a full-time employee, you will be eligible to enroll in Califia’s employee benefits program. You may also be eligible to participate in the company’s bonus program which may be subject to change.The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.