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Description

The Director – Research & Innovation leads Dairy West’s research and technology strategy, driving innovation that enhances the value, efficiency, and sustainability of the regional dairy industry. This position directs the organization’s research investments, partnerships, and innovation initiatives to advance Dairy West’s purpose and values and create measurable benefits for dairy farmers and the broader marketplace. 

The Director develops and manages partnerships among academic, industry, and government collaborators to expand regional research capacity and connect scientific discovery with practical application. The role also ensures alignment with related initiatives, including work supported through BUILD Dairy, Dairy Protein Institute (DPI), Wester Dairy Center (WDC), and Dairy Management Inc. (DMI). 

Application Deadline is January 6, 2026

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Leadership & Research Direction 

• Lead Dairy West’s research and innovation agenda to support organizational objectives and industry priorities. 
• Identify emerging technologies, trends, and opportunities that strengthen dairy’s role in nutrition, sustainability, and product innovation. 
• Ensure that research investments are strategic, evidence-based, and aligned with Dairy West’s purpose and values. 
• Oversee research funding priorities, partnership selection, and outcome evaluation. 
• Partnership Development & Funding 

• Develop and maintain relationships with universities, processors, research institutions, and government agencies. 
• Cultivate partnerships and co-investment opportunities that advance regional dairy research capacity. 
• Collaborate with BUILD Dairy, DPI, WDC, and DMI to ensure complementary objectives and shared scientific outcomes. 
• Represent Dairy West at regional and national research forums and industry events. 

Innovation Leadership & Commercial Application 

• Guide efforts to translate research into innovation with real-world impact for dairy farmers, processors, and allied industries. 
• Work with Business Development and Marketing and Communications to identify opportunities for product improvement, process innovation, and market growth. 
• Support the adoption of emerging technologies that enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of the regional dairy supply chain. 
• Ensure that innovation efforts demonstrate clear stewardship of farmer investment. 

Workforce Development & Education 

• Support BUILD Dairy and university partnerships that prepare students and professionals for future leadership in dairy research and innovation. 
• Strengthen academic collaboration and mentoring relationships that connect students with applied research opportunities. 
• Provide dairy chemistry, microbiology, processing, and technology training to students, employees, and industry partners to enhance technical capabilities. 
• Ensure education and outreach initiatives foster curiosity, innovation, and long-term engagement in the dairy sector. 
• Lead student recruitment initiatives for BUILD by inspiring the next generation to build their careers in dairy science. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to share research outcomes and demonstrate industry impact. 
• Partner with Nutrition Partnerships and Business Development to translate research insights into trust-building and demand-driving initiatives. 
• Work across departments to ensure research and innovation contribute directly to Dairy West’s overall strategy and marketplace success. 
• Serve as an internal resource to connect science, technology, and application across all Dairy West functions. 

Communication & Advocacy 

• Represent Dairy West and the regional dairy community as a credible voice in research and innovation. 
• Communicate complex research outcomes clearly to diverse audiences, including farmers, partners, and stakeholders, through Marketing and Communications channels. 
• Promote awareness of the value of Dairy West’s research investments and the outcomes they deliver for the dairy community. 

EXPECTATIONS 

• Reflect Dairy West’s core values of Trust, Action, and Stewardship. 
• Model Dairy West’s commitment to scientific integrity and innovation. 
• Collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners to achieve shared success. 
• Demonstrate accountability in research leadership, program management, and communication. 
• Keep the farmer investment top of mind and ensure responsible stewardship of resources. 
• Maintain curiosity, professionalism, and adaptability in a fast-evolving research landscape. 
• Serve as a visible ambassador for Dairy West’s purpose

Dairy West is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants receive fair consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.  

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ph.D. in dairy science, food science, microbiology, animal science, or a related field required. 
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in research leadership, innovation management, or product development in the dairy or food industry. 
• Proven success in securing research funding and managing multi-stakeholder partnerships. 
• Demonstrated ability to translate scientific research into applied outcomes and innovations. 
• Experience supervising staff or research teams required. 
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage scientific and non-technical audiences. 
• Experience with technology transfer and intellectual property collaboration preferred. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and familiarity with research data and collaboration tools. 

The salary range for this position is $95,956 - $158,177.

Benefits

THE ESSENTIALS

• Competitive salaries (regular market analysis)
• Premium-free (for employees) health insurance
• Dental coverage + vision benefits
• Free in-office dairy products + cool swag

 ADDED PEACE OF MIND

• 401k with up to 10% employer match
• Six weeks of paid parental and adoption leave
• Flexible spending or health savings accounts
• 529 educational savings plans
• Life insurance
• Long-term + short-term disability insurance
• Accidental death + dismemberment insurance
• Supportive employee assistance program
• Pet insurance

 FLEXIBLE WORK / LIFE

• Flexible workplace
• 20 days of PTO to start (more awarded with tenure)
• 10 paid holidays
• 5 office locations across our four-state region

 GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

• CliftonStrengths®-based approach
• Coaching and mentoring
• Education + tuition reimbursement
• Professional association memberships
• Check-in conversations