Senior Manager, R&D Food Scientist- Product Development
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. The 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, advances technology and capability development, and partners cross-functionally to support successful commercialization. This position has direct supervisory responsibility for one or more R&D team members, including performance management, coaching, and professional development. The work environment is an office setting with a moderate noise level.
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.
- Currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Nice To Haves
- Prior people management or technical leadership experience is strongly preferred.
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 the technical aspects of assigned projects and deliver 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.
- Manage, coach, and support the professional development and performance of one or more R&D team members.
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 leave, and paid vacation
- Life and AD&D insurance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
