Onsite R&D Manager

Post Consumer Brands • Visalia, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Post Consumer Brands is seeking an experienced and innovative Research & Development Manager to lead product development and technical initiatives at our Visalia, California pet food manufacturing facility. This leadership role is responsible for managing the local Product Development team, driving innovation and commercialization efforts, supporting manufacturing excellence, and ensuring the highest standards of food safety and product quality. The successful candidate will serve as a key technical leader and business partner, working cross-functionally to deliver new products, optimize existing formulas and processes, and support strategic growth initiatives. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys turning technical expertise into business results.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, Food Science, or another relevant technical discipline required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in food manufacturing, product development, quality assurance, process engineering, or process development.
• Demonstrated success bringing innovative products from concept through commercialization and market launch.
• Proven expertise in: Product formulation, Process optimization, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Quality improvement initiatives, Manufacturing efficiency programs.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Sound business judgment and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to influence, mentor, and coach teams to achieve results.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Proven success leading cross-functional teams and driving consensus.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Passion for workplace safety and continuous improvement.
• Ability to balance strategic priorities while managing day-to-day technical challenges.
• Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to lead change and inspire high-performing teams.
• Ability to lift to 25 kg (55 lbs.).
• Ability to work in a plant manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the pet food industry or consumer packaged goods industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Product Development & Innovation: Manage and develop the local Product Development team responsible for new and existing pet food products. Establish priorities and direct team activities to support innovation, cost optimization, quality improvements, and business objectives. Drive the development, validation, and commercialization of new products and product enhancements. Support implementation of new formulas, ingredients, processing technologies, and equipment.
• Serve as the Technical Leader: Act as the primary technical point of contact for B2B customers, including Private Label and Co-Manufactured pet food programs. Partner directly with commercial teams and customers to provide technical expertise and support. Provide guidance on product formulation, process development, ingredient functionality, shelf-life performance, and product quality. Troubleshoot complex product and manufacturing challenges and develop practical, sustainable solutions.
• Drive Manufacturing Excellence: Identify and lead formula, ingredient, process, and equipment-related improvements that increase efficiency, optimize costs, and improve product quality. Improve and sustain finished product identity and consistency at the plant level. Support validation of process and product parameter changes related to equipment, formulations, and manufacturing processes. Lead plant commercialization activities for new products and corporate cost-savings initiatives. Coordinate implementation of process improvements and best practices across facilities.
• Collaborate Across Functions: Partner closely with Operations, Marketing, Finance, Procurement, Engineering, Packaging, Quality, and Food Safety teams to establish development priorities. Lead cross-functional project teams and drive alignment around business goals and technical solutions. Foster collaboration between Product Development and other technical organizations to ensure successful project execution.
• Champion Food Safety & Quality: Support, implement, and maintain SQF requirements and food safety programs. Promote a strong food safety culture and ensure adherence to quality standards. Lead initiatives to improve product quality, consistency, and manufacturing performance.
• Stay Connected to Industry Trends: Monitor emerging technologies, competitive products, customer insights, and industry developments. Identify opportunities to enhance products, processes, and customer value through innovation.

Benefits

• Innovation
• Operational excellence
• Continuous growth
• Opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of pet nutrition
• Lead impactful projects from concept through commercialization
• Work alongside talented professionals
• Influence strategic business decisions
• Help deliver high-quality products that make a difference for customers, consumers, and their pets every day.

What This Job Offers

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