Summary:
The Senior Manager, R&D – Product Development is responsible for leading pet food and pet treat innovation by translating pet and pet parent needs into technical requirements and consumer-driven product solutions that deliver business impact. This role provides strategic technical leadership, manages R&D talent, and drives innovation and renovation across key product platforms. The Senior Manager owns defined areas of technical expertise, leads technology and capability advancement initiatives, and partners cross-functionally to support successful commercialization.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:- Apply scientific principles and strategic thinking to lead development of novel pet food and pet treat products.· Lead formulation and product development to address unmet consumer and pet needs.· Serve as a technical authority for ingredients, processing, nutrition delivery, and formulation strategy.· Identify, evaluate, and advance new ingredients, technologies, and innovation capabilities.· Own all technical aspects of assigned projects and ensure completion according to project plans.· Develop, review, and approve formulation and finished product specifications.· Oversee sensory, palatability, shelf-life, and stability testing.· Author technical proposals, summaries, presentations, and reports.· Maintain accurate technical documentation and laboratory records.· Lead cross-functional teams and projects with moderate to high complexity.· Solve complex problems and identify innovative solutions.· Collaborate across functions to achieve shared business objectives.· Serve as R&D Technical Lead on cross-functional initiatives.· Ensure compliance with GMPs, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements. Supervisory Responsibilities This position has direct supervisory responsibility for one or more R&D team members, including performance management, coaching, and professional development.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Food Science, Engineering, or related field, and a minimum of 6–8 years of Research & Development experience. Prior people management, pet food or technical leadership experience strongly preferred.
