Manager, Research & Development

Dole Packaged Foods • Thousand Oaks, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Dole Packaged Foods is a purpose-led organization focused on accessible fruit nutrition and building a brighter future. The company values respect, inclusion, excellence, integrity, and collaboration. The Manager, R&D is responsible for delivering innovation that contributes to volume growth and supports the mission of providing access to nutrition for over a billion people. Innovations are based on increasing access to nutrition and reducing waste. Dole aims for zero processed sugars, zero fruit loss, and zero plastics by 2025. The innovation pipeline includes projects for sustaining core products and expanding into new categories. This role acts as a subject matter expert, managing significant projects with minimal oversight and contributing to departmental planning. The position offers a hybrid work environment, requiring 3 days per week in the Westlake Village, CA office.

Requirements

• 4–6 years of experience in R&D, Innovation, and/or technical project management roles.
• Proficiency in product development (formulation, ingredient selection, stability testing).
• Proficiency in process development (manufacturing technologies, equipment selection, contract manufacturing).
• Proficiency in packaging development (structural design, testing, consumer usability and acceptability).
• Strong financial acumen, including COG development, budget ownership, and cost optimization.
• Proven track record of delivering innovation into the marketplace.
• Ability to analyze and leverage consumer insight data to drive innovation decisions.
• Knowledge of innovation management tools (e.g., Design Thinking preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects across a global manufacturing footprint.
• Advanced project management, prioritization, and stakeholder management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, or science-based equivalent is required.
• Ability to sit and use the computer for extended periods of time; ability to answer phones and use a variety of office equipment; ability to lift 15 pounds and reach overhead.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of innovation management tools (e.g., Design Thinking preferred).

Responsibilities

• Deliver the innovation pipeline in partnership with cross-functional teams, ensuring strong technical, consumer, and financial outcomes.
• Own end-to-end management of projects (L0–L3) through the project management / stage gate process.
• Provide clear technical guidance and decision-making on make versus buy strategies for products and packaging.
• Identify, scout, manage, and evaluate third-party product and packaging development partners as required.
• Partner with Procurement to select and manage third-party manufacturing partners.
• Design, develop, and validate structural packaging solutions that maintain integrity throughout the supply chain while meeting consumer and brand needs.
• Ensure Product and Packaging Development briefs are created and approved, including clear COG targets, scope, and success criteria.
• Ensure consumer usability and performance testing of packaging is completed per brief requirements.
• Attend and lead manufacturing trials, providing guidance on formulation, process, and packaging changes.
• Support Marketing in consumer research activities and translate insights into development direction.
• Own category or portfolio-level innovation budgets.
• Accountable for COG strategy, cost optimization initiatives, and delivery of cost savings aligned to global targets.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager