Chief Scientific Officer – #8445
Chief Scientific Officer – #8445
We are seeking a Chief Scientific Officer (pet nutrition) to lead the development of the scientific team. This critical leadership role will oversee all aspects of research, formulation, and product development, with a focus on efficiency, AAFCO compliance, and innovation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the scientific team
- Direct research, formulation, and development of pet food products
- Optimize formulations to enhance nutritional quality and palatability
- Lead new product development (NPD) initiatives
- Ensure full compliance with AAFCO, NRC, FDA, and USDA regulations
- Select and manage third-party labs for ingredient testing, palatability trials, and digestibility studies
- Provide technical leadership across product and process development, quality systems, and regulatory oversight
- Create and manage structured processes for launching new products within defined timeframes and budgets
- Collaborate cross-functionally with procurement, operations, quality, and marketing to align R&D with business objectives
Qualifications:
- PhD, Master’s degree in a related field, or DVM
- Demonstrated financial and business acumen
- Proven experience formulating pet food and related products
- Background in manufacturing or operational environments
- Strategic thinker with the ability to execute and support long-term initiatives
- Deep understanding of companion animal nutrition, palatability, and AAFCO nutrient requirements
- Experience with both large-scale and start-up pet food brands