Senior Research & Development Manager

FLAVOR REDDY FOODS, LLC•Lancaster Township, PA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

TRILLIUM FOODS IS SEEKING A SENIOR R&D MANAGER TO LEAD HIGH-IMPACT, COMMERCIAL-FOCUSED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES THAT DRIVE STRATEGIC GROWTH AND STRENGTHEN KEY CUSTOMER PARTNERSHIPS. THIS ROLE OPERATES AS A SENIOR CROSS-FUNCTIONAL LEADER, SERVING AS THE PRIMARY BRIDGE BETWEEN R&D, CULINARY, QUALITY, OPERATIONS, AND EXTERNAL CUSTOMERS. The ideal candidate will own end-to-end commercialization strategy and execution, from concept through full-scale production, while influencing product pipelines, customer engagement, and internal capabilities. This role plays a critical part in shaping innovation strategy across both sweet and savory liquid product categories, ensuring alignment with business objectives, customer expectations, and operational excellence. Additionally, this role will act as a primary leader for customer commercialization, technical diligence, and innovation initiatives, while mentoring team members and elevating R&D best practices across the organization. The position will be onsite at the facility in Lancaster, PA Monday-Friday.

Requirements

Advanced understanding of food science principles, including emulsions, hydrocolloids, flavor systems, and process technology.
Deep knowledge of food safety, regulatory requirements, and quality systems.
Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence without authority across multiple functions.
Proven ability to manage complex, high-visibility projects and competing priorities.
Expertise in scaling formulations from bench to commercial production.
Strategic thinker with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Passion for building collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing teams.
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
7+ years of progressive experience in product development, commercialization, or food manufacturing.
Demonstrated experience leading large-scale commercialization projects and cross-functional teams.
Strong background in customer-facing roles within food or CPG environments.
Ability to travel up to 20%.
Regular standing required.
Ability to lift: Up to 10 lbs. regularly Up to 25 lbs. frequently Up to 60 lbs. occasionally
Regular exposure to food ingredients, including common allergens.
Work environment includes wet, humid conditions and moving mechanical equipment.
Moderate to high noise levels in manufacturing environments

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic development and commercialization of new and existing products across sweet and savory categories, with ownership of high-priority and complex initiatives.
Serve as the senior point of contact for customer commercialization programs, ensuring alignment from ideation through launch.
Drive formula design and optimization strategies aligned with customer requirements, cost targets, and manufacturing capabilities.
Own and lead large-scale, cross-functional product development programs, influencing timelines, scope, and business outcomes.
Partner with Sensory, Culinary, and Quality teams to define product standards, scorecards, and success criteria, ensuring best-in-class outcomes.
Identify and lead cost optimization and value engineering initiatives, collaborating with Procurement and Operations.
Provide technical leadership during scale-up, validation, and commercialization trials, ensuring successful plant execution and knowledge transfer.
Establish and standardize best practices for product development, commercialization, and documentation across the organization.
Act as a trusted technical advisor and partner to key customers, leading product presentations, innovation sessions, and problem-solving initiatives.
Influence customer decisions through technical expertise, product differentiation, and commercialization insights.
Lead customer-facing initiatives including product cuttings, panels, supplier meetings, and restaurant visits.
Ensure all product specifications and documentation are accurate, compliant, and aligned across internal and customer systems.
Lead R&D integration into manufacturing, ensuring seamless onboarding and qualification of new products across facilities.
Provide technical leadership and training to plant teams on commercialization standards, customer expectations, and R&D processes.
Act as the primary escalation point for manufacturing-related R&D challenges, driving timely and effective resolution.
Partner with Operations to enhance process efficiency, scalability, and product consistency.