Ecolab

Sr RD&E Program Leader

Ecolab$133K — $200K *
Food & Beverages
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, engineering, biology, food science, or related scientific/technical discipline
  • 10+ years of experience in RD&E or technical roles
  • 4+ years of experience in product development and/or project leadership
  • Experience designing and executing experimental and analytical studies
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate across cross-functional business teams

Responsibilities

  • Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing food safety and microbiology team
  • Own and deliver the food safety and public health innovation pipeline
  • Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the microbiology laboratory
  • Serve as the voice of food safety for Quick Service and Food Retail
  • Lead cross-functional alignment to deliver integrated, customer-centric solutions
  • Translate customer and industry insights into differentiated technologies
  • Contribute as a key member of the RD&E Technical Leadership Team

Benefits

  • Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits for associates and their families
Full Job Description
We are seeking a Senior Program Leader – Food Safety & Microbiology to lead a critical function within our RD&E organization. This role is responsible for advancing Ecolab’s food safety and public health innovation agenda across our Global Quick Service and Food Retail businesses.

This role operates at the intersection of science, customer insight, and business impact, with the opportunity to shape solutions that protect food safety on a global scale.

This position is in Greensboro, NC and reports to the VP RD&E for Global Quick Service and Global Food Retail.

What You Will Do
  • Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing food safety and microbiology team, building strong technical capability and leaders
  • Own and deliver the food safety and public health innovation pipeline, ensuring alignment with business priorities and driving speed and impact of commercialization
  • Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the microbiology laboratory, ensuring high-quality customer testing, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence
  • Serve as the voice of food safety for QSR and FRS, engaging with customers, industry organizations, and internal leaders to influence strategy and outcomes
  • Lead cross-functional alignment across RD&E, Marketing, Regulatory, Sales, and Supply Chain to deliver integrated, customer-centric solutions
  • Translate customer and industry insights into differentiated technologies, anticipating emerging risks, regulatory changes, and competitive dynamics
  • Contribute as a key member of the RD&E Technical Leadership Team

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, engineering, biology, food science, or related scientific/technical discipline
  • 10+ years of experience in RD&E or technical roles
  • 4+ years of experience in product development and/or project leadership
  • Experience designing and executing experimental and analytical studies
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate across cross-functional business teams

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant discipline
  • Proven track record of successful product development and commercial launches
  • Experience leading and developing high-performing technical associates
  • Strong knowledge of food safety principles, microbiology, and FDA Food Code
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through complexity and influence across global stakeholders
  • Experience serving as a technical leader with customers or industry organizations

Annual or Hourly Compensation Range

The base salary range for this position is $133,700.00 - $200,600.00. This position is eligible for annual bonus pay based on performance, per plan terms. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.

Benefits

Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families.  to see our benefits. 

If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.


About Ecolab

Ecolab provides comprehensive solutions, data-driven insights, and personalized service to customers in the food, healthcare, hospitality, and industrial markets in more than countries to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies and sustainability.

Ecolab Careers

Join Ecolab's dynamic team today and be part of a global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions. At Ecolab, we are committed to advancing technologies and driving innovation that makes the world cleaner, safer, and healthier.

Work You’ll Do

At Ecolab, you will find job opportunities that promise robust growth and development in a culture that fosters leadership, innovation, and diversity. Our team is composed of over 48,000 dedicated professionals who lead the industry in delivering efficient solutions and services to our customers worldwide.

Professional Growth and Development

Embark on a career path that empowers your ambition. Ecolab offers a myriad of career advancement opportunities supported by comprehensive training programs and professional development courses. Our commitment to your growth is paralleled by our dedication to innovation and excellence in every aspect of our business.

Inclusive and Supportive Culture

Ecolab’s culture thrives on teamwork, respect, and diversity. We believe in creating an inclusive environment that values each individual’s unique background and perspectives. Diversity training and leadership programs are integral parts of our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

Whether you're starting your career or looking to make a change, Ecolab offers a range of employment and internship opportunities that can help you harness your skills and achieve your professional goals. Our hiring process is designed to be transparent and engaging, ensuring that all candidates are given the opportunity to showcase their strengths.

Benefits and Networking

Joining Ecolab means more than just employment; it’s an opportunity to be part of a global network of industry leaders and innovators. Our employees enjoy competitive benefits, including health, life, and dental insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. We also encourage our team to connect and collaborate through various professional networking events.

Explore Job Opportunities

Are you ready to make a significant impact? Explore the various positions available at Ecolab, from entry-level roles to executive positions. Tailor your resume and prepare for interviews with our career experts who are here to support you every step of the way.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players.

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Learn more about Ecolab
Size
47,000 employees
Market Cap
$41 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$1.2 billion
Founded
1923
5 Year Trend
-0.6%
Revenue
$11.7 billion
NASDAQ

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