Associate Director, Food Sciences

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Texas.

📋 Description

• Provides strategic direction and supervision for nutrition programs and services in clinical trials.

• Oversees the design, implementation, delivery methods, and operational execution of programs.

• Guides and nurtures supervisors, managers, and cross-functional teams.

• Manages nutrition services initiatives that span regional, multi-site, and sometimes global contexts.

• Supervises clinical trial nutrition programs, service delivery, vendor partnerships, and resource allocation.

• Ensures adherence to OSHA, Department of Health, FDA, and relevant multi-state regulations.

• Identifies areas for improvement and fosters process innovation.

• Offers subject matter expertise during protocol evaluations, including clinical trial menu design and nutrition counseling or lifestyle intervention services.

• Works collaboratively with clients and internal stakeholders to create and implement lifestyle interventions.

• Aids in business development, bid defenses, and client interactions.

• Creates and presents communications that showcase nutrition service capabilities.

• Represents the organization at industry conferences, meetings, and strategic partnerships.

• Establishes operational policies, procedures, budgets, schedules, and performance metrics.

• Engages with internal and external management and senior-level customer representatives.

• Conducts briefings and technical meetings.

• Oversees projects, operational decisions, scheduling needs, and contractual clarifications.

• May oversee employees across different regions.

⛳️ Requirements

• Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) certification is mandatory.

• Certification as a food service manager is required or must be obtained within the first 60 days of employment.

• A minimum of 6 years of progressive leadership or supervisory experience is necessary.

• At least 3 years of experience in program design, implementation, and management in clinical, research, or healthcare environments.

• Over 6 years of experience in menu planning, diet management, or foodservice operations.

• A Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or a related field is preferred.

• Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex or multi-site programs is preferred.

• Advanced understanding of nutrition standards and their application in clinical trial environments.

• Proficient with computer applications, including Microsoft Office, and capable of learning various software and systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to coordinate teams across different functions.

• Strong skills in time management, budgeting, financial oversight, organization, analysis, judgment, and decision-making.

• Demonstrated capability in designing and adapting clinical trial menus and lifestyle intervention programs.

• Capacity to drive innovation and continuous improvements in processes.

• Ability to primarily work in an office environment with occasional responsibilities in food service and operational areas.

• Willingness to travel occasionally for project management and vendor oversight.

• Flexibility to work extended hours, including early mornings, late evenings, occasional weekends, and participate in 24/7 on-call rotations.

• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 lbs.

• Consistent and reliable attendance is required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Fully Remote work arrangement.

• Standard work schedule from Monday to Friday.