Senior Manager, R&D Food Scientist- Product Development

Redbarn Pet Products, LLC., • Great Bend, KS

2d

About The Position

The Senior Manager, R&D – Product Development leads pet food and pet treat innovation by translating pet and pet parent needs into technical requirements and consumer-driven product solutions that deliver meaningful business impact. This role provides strategic technical leadership, manages R&D talent, and drives both innovation and renovation across key product platforms. The Senior Manager owns defined areas of technical expertise, advances technology and capability development, and partners cross-functionally to ensure successful commercialization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Food Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6–8 years of Research & Development experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in formulation, product development, and commercialization.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

• Prior people management or technical leadership experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Apply scientific principles and strategic thinking to lead the development of novel pet food and pet treat products.
• Lead formulation and product development efforts 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 delivery according to project plans and timelines.
• Develop, review, and approve formulation and finished product specifications.
• Oversee sensory, palatability, shelf-life, and stability testing programs.
• Author technical proposals, summaries, presentations, and reports.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and laboratory records.
• Lead cross-functional teams and manage projects of moderate to high complexity.
• Solve complex technical challenges and identify innovative solutions.
• Collaborate across functions to achieve shared business and innovation objectives.
• Serve as R&D Technical Lead on cross-functional initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, based on experience
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation
• Life and AD&D Insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees