Research & Development Manager

The R&D Manager is responsible for leading the R&D team in new product development, testing, commercialization, least-cost formulation, and process improvement activities.

Full-time

The R&D Manager is responsible for leading the R&D team in new product development, testing, commercialization, least-cost formulation, and process improvement activities.

• Lead new product development from initial concept through commercialization.
• Develop and modify formulations based on customer requirements, product specifications, processing capabilities, nutritional targets, and cost objectives.
• Develop customer samples and prototypes for evaluation and approval.
• Develop products that achieve desired flavor, texture, appearance, cook characteristics, yield, and shelf life.
• Lead the transition of products from laboratory or pilot development into full-scale commercial production.
• Ensure formulas, specifications, processing instructions, and product standards are accurately documented.

• Work with Quality Assurance/Food Safety to ensure products meet regulatory and customer requirements.
• Assist with product specifications, ingredient statements, nutritional information, allergen declarations, processing requirements, and labeling.
• Ensure appropriate testing and validation for new products and formulation/process changes.
• Maintain accurate R&D records and documentation.

• Work with Operations and Procurement to optimize raw material utilization while maintaining quality and customer specifications.
• Identify opportunities to reduce formulation costs without negatively affecting quality, food safety, or customer expectations.
• Assist in establishing yield standards for new and existing products.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives involving yield, waste, rework, throughput, and product consistency.

• Lead and develop R&D personnel, including R&D Technicians and Product Developers.
• Establish project priorities based on customer and business needs.
• Assign projects and monitor progress against established timelines.
• Establish consistent R&D procedures and documentation practices.
• Maintain confidentiality of proprietary formulas, customer information, and intellectual property.

• Bachelor's degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Food Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• 3-5 years of progressive R&D/product development experience.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

• Experience with meat, poultry, or protein further processing.
• Previous R&D leadership or management experience.
• Experience in USDA-regulated manufacturing facilities.
• HACCP certification.

• Strong knowledge of meat science, ingredient functionality, commercial meat processing equipment, and processing practices.
• Experience with commercial product development and commercialization.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Strong communication skills with production employees, leadership, customers, suppliers, and technical professionals.
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional projects.
• Hands-on experience conducting plant trials and scaling products from bench or pilot development into full production.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation.
• Strong understanding of yield and the financial impact of formulations and processing decisions.