R&D Manager

Who are we

Yamamotoyama U.S.A. stands as a testament to the art of traditional Japanese green tea and nori seaweed products, upholding a commitment to unparalleled quality since 1690. Our culture is enriched by diverse backgrounds, all striving to find their unique voice in a harmonious blend. This spirit of unity in diversity extends to our portfolio, which includes the globally recognized Stash Tea Company, offering an expansive array of premium teas.

In addition, we proudly present Ujido, a brand deeply rooted in the art and tradition of Japanese Matcha. Our dedication to excellence is not just in our products, but in the mosaic of voices that shape our legacy.

The R&D Manager leads all product development and technical innovation efforts within the Yamamotoyama/Stash/Ujido company. This role is responsible for creating new products, improving existing formulations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting manufacturing scale‑ups. The manager works closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver safe, high‑quality, commercially viable products that meet consumer needs and company objectives.

• Lead and coach the R&D Specialist while owning the product innovation pipeline from concept through commercialization.
• Develop new tea SKUs by formulating, prototyping, and optimizing flavor, aroma, functionality, nutrition, and shelf stability.
• Translate bench‑top prototypes into scalable formulas, ingredient statements, specifications, and processing parameters.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, and external co‑manufacturers to plan and execute pilot runs, scale‑ups, and first production runs.
• Serve as the technical point of contact for co‑manufacturers during scale‑up, troubleshooting, and ongoing production support.
• Conduct shelf‑life studies, ingredient evaluations, and process validations to ensure consistent commercial performance.
• Ensure all products meet food safety, regulatory, and labeling requirements (FDA, USDA as applicable, and local regulations).
• Drive cost, quality, and performance optimization of existing products without compromising brand or sensory standards.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Sales to translate consumer insights and trends into viable, differentiated tea concepts.
• Build and maintain strong technical relationships with ingredient suppliers and manufacturing partners; travel to facilities as needed for trials, audits, and launches.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Food & Beverage R&D, with at least 2 years in a leadership or senior development role. Experience in the tea industry is preferred, but not required.
• Strong understanding of food processing, ingredient functionality, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience with regulatory compliance, nutrition labeling, allergen management, and food safety requirements.
• Knowledge of sensory evaluation methods and shelf‑life testing.
• Proven ability to run multiple projects using stage‑gate or similar development processes.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical teams.

The annual pay range for this full‑time position is $125,000 - $135,000. Our pay ranges are guided by the discipline, level, and experience required. Within the range, individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including your specific location, desired skills/technical competency, relevant experience, and advanced education/training.

Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, LTD, EAP, Health & Wellness, Vacation Accrual, and 401(k) with Safe Harbor Contribution. In addition, we offer our employees discounts on our product, tuition reimbursement, continuing education support, and more!

Yamamotoyama is an equal opportunity employer. At Yamamotoyama, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that cultivates creativity and innovation. Although rich in history, innovation is woven into our DNA, and this demands diversity of thought. Our commitment to serving our community wholeheartedly compels us to embrace a broad spectrum of perspectives, backgrounds, regions, and experiences.