Research & Development Program Manager

Kinder's • Walnut Creek, CA

79d • $120,000 - $133,000

About The Position

The R&D Program Manager will report to the VP of R&D and will be a key leader in ensuring our innovation engine runs efficiently and effectively. This is a high-impact role responsible for managing the seamless execution of multiple, complex R&D projects from concept to commercialization. You will be the central hub of our product development process, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to our quality standards by managing both internal teams and external development partners.

Requirements

• 8-10+ years of experience in R&D and/or product development program or project management, preferably in the CPG, food, beverage, or a similar consumer-oriented industry.
• Proven experience managing a portfolio of complex technical projects using a robust project/product lifecycle process.
• Demonstrated experience managing external partners, including co-developers and ingredient suppliers.
• Strong technical acumen with an understanding of food science, formulation, and commercialization processes.
• Financially literate with the ability to provide input into project budgets and understand the financial implications of development decisions.
• Bachelor's degree; a degree in a technical field (e.g., Food Science, Engineering) is a strong plus.
• PMP certification or other project management training is a strong plus.

Nice To Haves

• Growth mindset with an excitement to learn (and teach).
• Passionate people-lover excited by the opportunity to build strong relationships with teammates and consumers.
• Low ego with a strong sense of humility.
• Thrive in a dynamic, lean, and agile environment.
• Collaborative mindset with an ability to find creative solutions.
• Self-starter who takes initiative and is willing to speak their mind.
• Excited to be part of a fast-moving team with the ability to be a leader and a follower where required.
• Enjoy making decisions and finding ways to say ‘yes’ as often as possible to impactful and important priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of diverse R&D projects, focusing on strategic projects for new product lines.
• Implement and oversee project management processes to track progress, identify risks, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Work with R&D team to translate complex technical challenges into actionable project tasks and milestones.
• Identify and proactively address project risks or delays with proposed mitigation strategies.
• Escalate roadblocks and collaborate with stakeholders to re-align on priorities and trade-offs.
• Work with R&D team to identify, onboard, and manage third-party development agencies, co-packers, and ingredient suppliers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external partners, facilitating clear communication and managing contracts.
• Collaborate with external resources to ensure seamless integration with internal R&D, Quality, and Operations teams.
• Maintain high-quality records of project data, test results, learnings, and other key project information.
• Improve processes and systems to drive visibility and consistency of R&D execution.
• Coordinate and ensure consistent use of company project management systems.
• Partner closely with cross-functional leaders to drive project alignment and ensure successful delivery of key programs.
• Facilitate project team meetings, create and present status reports, and communicate project risks and opportunities to senior leadership.
• Act as a champion for the R&D process, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• The expected starting salary range for this role is $120,000- $133,000 per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees