R&D Manager We are seeking an experienced R&D Manager to lead product development, formulation, commercialization, product improvement, and cost-reduction initiatives at our food manufacturing facility.
MUST-HAVE:
EXPERIENCEBachelor's degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or related field.5+ years of R&D/product development experience in food manufacturing. Direct experience developing MEAT, POULTRY, PORK, FISH/SEAFOOD, or FROZEN PROTEIN products is required. Experience with further-processed protein products strongly preferred. Experience taking products from concept ? formulation ? pilot/plant trial ? commercialization ? full-scale production. Strong knowledge of meat science, ingredient functionality, formulation, and commercial food processing. Hands-on experience conducting plant trials and scaling products into commercial production. Experience with USDA-regulated manufacturing strongly preferred. HACCP certification preferred. Previous R&D leadership/management experience preferred.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead new product development from customer concept through commercialization. Develop and modify formulations based on quality, customer specifications, processing requirements, nutritional targets, and cost objectives. Develop prototypes and customer samples. Optimize flavor, texture, appearance, cook characteristics, yield, and shelf life. Lead plant trials and troubleshoot formulation/process issues. Manage product specifications, formulas, processing instructions, and documentation. Partner with Operations, QA/Food Safety, Sales, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Finance. Identify opportunities for least-cost formulation, yield improvement, waste reduction, and product-cost reduction. Ensure products meet USDA, food-safety, regulatory, and customer requirements. Lead and develop R&D technicians/product developers and manage multiple development projects.
IDEAL BACKGROUND:
The ideal candidate comes from a meat, poultry, pork, seafood/fish, or frozen protein manufacturer and has hands-on experience with formulation, further processing, plant trials, commercialization, yield optimization, and cost reduction.
