Our client, a leading food manufacturing and co-packing organization, is seeking a Research & Development Manager to lead product innovation, process development, and commercialization initiatives. This role is responsible for driving the development of new food products, optimizing manufacturing processes, leading cross-functional project teams, and ensuring compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with a strong background in food science, product development, and innovation management.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office setting with regular interaction on the manufacturing floor. The role requires the use of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, printers, and related technology.

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with company safety standards.
• Ability to hear, speak, and exchange information effectively.
• Ability to bend, kneel, sit, crouch, and perform routine physical movements.
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods during the workday.

Key Competencies

Innovation & Product Development

• Develop and execute R&D strategies aligned with business objectives and market opportunities.
• Lead new product development from concept through commercialization.
• Oversee product formulation, ingredient selection, sensory evaluation, and process optimization.
• Translate scientific research and market trends into commercially successful products.

Project Leadership

• Manage multiple R&D projects simultaneously while maintaining timelines and budgets.
• Establish key performance metrics to measure project success and innovation effectiveness.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure successful commercialization efforts.

Market & Industry Insight

• Monitor emerging consumer trends, technologies, ingredients, and competitive activity.
• Identify opportunities for product differentiation and sustainable growth.
• Conduct research and feasibility assessments to support innovation initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Quality, Marketing, Procurement, and external stakeholders to drive project success.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, industry experts, and research institutions.

Core Responsibilities

Product Research & Development

• Lead the development and commercialization of new food products and line extensions.
• Manage product formulation, ingredient sourcing, and sensory performance.
• Conduct bench-top development, pilot trials, and scale-up activities.
• Drive continuous product improvement initiatives.

Process & Manufacturing Innovation

• Evaluate and implement new processing technologies and manufacturing methods.
• Optimize production processes for efficiency, scalability, quality, and sustainability.
• Lead pilot plant trials and validate manufacturing processes prior to commercialization.
• Develop data-driven approaches to improve operational and product performance.

Regulatory & Quality Compliance

• Ensure compliance with FDA, HACCP, GMP, labeling, and other applicable food regulations.
• Support nutritional labeling, allergen management, and product documentation requirements.
• Maintain records necessary for audits, customer requests, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure product integrity.

Strategic Leadership

• Align R&D priorities with organizational goals and market opportunities.
• Develop innovation roadmaps that support long-term business growth.
• Represent the organization at industry events, supplier meetings, and technical forums.
• Identify opportunities to create competitive advantages through innovation and intellectual property.

Team Management

• Lead and mentor R&D professionals, food scientists, and technical personnel.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage project resources, budgets, schedules, and deliverables.
• Provide technical guidance and professional development opportunities to team members.

Additional Responsibilities

• Follow and enforce all company safety policies and OSHA regulations.
• Support continuous improvement efforts throughout the organization.
• Benchmark industry best practices, materials, and technologies to enhance performance.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety programs, policies, and procedures.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related scientific discipline required.
• Master's degree and/or professional certifications preferred.

Experience

• 7+ years of progressive experience in food product development, innovation, or research and development leadership within the food manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex product development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Strong knowledge of food science, formulation, processing technologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience working in manufacturing environments and collaborating with Operations and Quality teams.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across all levels of an organization.
• Willingness and ability to wear required PPE and comply with all safety protocols.