R&D Manager, Beverage

Duties & Responsibilities

A technically proficient, senior beverage scientist that manages a team of beverage application scientists and technicians while also providing applications lab support through hands on product development. Project turnaround time, accuracy and communication of project results are critical to success as well as an ability to make independent decisions.

A technically proficient, senior beverage scientist that manages a team of beverage application scientists and technicians while also providing applications lab support through hands on product development. Project turnaround time, accuracy and communication of project results are critical to success as well as an ability to make independent decisions.

• Develop and grow a team of beverage application scientists and technicians. This includes managing the group’s project objectives and deadlines.
• Formulate beverage product concepts to demonstrate flavor creation innovation that supports customer’s requests, proactive growth opportunities, and market trends.
• Lead and participate in a cross-functional team for specific customer opportunities.
• Complete all assigned project tasks successfully and keep relevant stakeholders informed of project status, including R&D management, business development, sales, and customers.
• Interface with flavor chemistry, business development, sales, marketing, operations, purchasing, regulatory, and finance.
• Reverse engineer beverage formulations to deliver prototypes and concepts, as required.
• Evaluate flavors, create new flavor blends and make recommendations to satisfy project requirements.
• Evaluate samples through bench-top testing and structured sensory methods with sensory science team.
• Provide technical expertise to customers through conference calls, video calls, in-person customer visits, and on-site working sessions.
• Travel to customer meetings and industry trade shows to represent Virginia Dare Applications.
• Follows all company safety and GMP practices. Maintain work area in a safe, neat and organized manner. Adhere to all Virginia Dare policies and procedures.

• Education:
  
  BS or MS in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry or Engineering
• Experience required:
• Minimum 15 years in Beverage R&D
• 3-5 years of experience managing technical team members
• Beverage (carbonated and still, juices, sports drinks, energy shots, functional beverages)
• Coffee and tea RTD beverages
• Alcoholic and zero-proof beverages
• Experience working with the following product areas a plus.
• CPG commercialization and production scale up
• Aseptically processed, ready to drink (RTD) protein drinks and shakes
• Dairy/plant-based creamers
• RTM protein shakes
• Dairy (yogurt, ice cream, milk)
• Hands-on experience with pilot plant equipment (Microthermics unit or equivalent)
• Proficient in general lab practices.
• Skilled in applying and assessing flavors through taste and smell.
• Strong knowledge in formulation and ingredient functionality
• Strong leadership skills
• Able to deliver results within short timelines with limited direction and supervision.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate creativity and innovative ideas in all aspects of product development.