R&D Manager- Beverages

R&D Manager
- Beverages

Laboratory

Los Angeles County, CA, US

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Our client, a growing innovative food & beverage manufacturer, is experiencing significant growth, and with that comes exciting opportunities. We’re seeking an R&D Manager to join their dynamic team!

Job Title : R&D Product Development Manager

Location: Los Angeles County , CA

Job type: Contract-hire

Pay rate: $45- $56/ hr.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced R&D Product Development Manager to lead our product development efforts from concept to commercialization. This role is ideal for a critical thinker with a strong background in food science and a passion for developing innovative flavor and beverage solutions. The ideal candidate will supervise a team of chemists and lab technicians while ensuring all products meet customer requirements, cost targets, and regulatory standards.

• Oversee and manage all product development projects within the R&D department.
• Lead the formulation and development of products according to customer or internal specifications.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide technical guidance to R&D chemists and lab technicians.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Quality Control, Analytical, Production, and Sales.
• Evaluate the technical feasibility of new products based on equipment, technology, and production capabilities.
• Conduct cost analysis and determine suggested selling prices for developed products.
• Ensure thorough documentation of master formulas and compounding instructions.
• Approve product specifications and ensure compliance with SQF (Safe Quality Food) standards.
• Communicate directly with customers to gather requirements, present prototypes, and provide technical support.
• Support scale-up processes and monitor initial production runs to ensure consistency and quality.
• Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of supervisory or management experience in an R&D environment.
• Strong taste and aroma acuity for product evaluation and formulation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; solid math skills (algebra level).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

This job description is a complete list of all desired skills, but not all are required. We strongly encourage candidates who have some of the skills to apply. We look forward to a conversation to learn more about you!

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.