Sr Manager, R&D
About The Position
The Senior R&D Manager is responsible for leading the development and optimization of new and existing food products, processes, and technologies. This role ensures that all projects align with company objectives for innovation, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. The Senior R&D Manager collaborates cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain to deliver commercially viable solutions that meet consumer needs and business goals. This individual is also responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring standard work, process improvements and mentoring / coaching food scientists.
Requirements
- Master of Science in Food Technology, Food Science or related field or equivalent
- 8 + years of experience leading, developing and coaching a team
- Demonstrated managing people (direct report)
- Demonstrated experience with meat development
- Experience with a variety of R&D Management tools including hardware, software.
- Working knowledge of food manufacturing at scale
- Demonstrated understanding of R&D experiment designs
- Experience with R&D data platforms, digital tools, and emerging technologies
- Proven track record of leading innovation initiatives and digital transformation within R&D environments
- Budget experience
- Self-motivated, hands-on and results oriented
- Must be able to collaborate effectively with various manufacturing, marketing, sales and other functional teams
- Must be flexible and able to work well in a team environment
- Comfortable in a fast paced, changing environment
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; must work effectively with all levels of management and Team Members
- Must demonstrate effective leadership, problem solving, project management, presentation, and employee motivational skills.
- Proficient in Internet navigation, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Nice To Haves
- Retail (CPG) product development experience
Responsibilities
- Lead the creation, formulation, and testing of new food products from concept to commercialization.
- Optimize existing product lines for cost, quality, and sustainability.
- Manage multiple R&D projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met.
- Maintain accurate documentation of formulations, processes, and specifications.
- Mentor and develop R&D staff, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
- Strategic planning as a member of the R&D leadership team
- Auditing and aligning on the key needs for the R&D team to deliver on the needs of the business
- Provide technical expertise in food science, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
- Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes.
- Partner with Marketing to translate consumer insights into product concepts.
- Work with Operations and Supply Chain to ensure scalability and manufacturability.
- Ensure all products meet food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company quality guidelines.
- Support labeling, nutritional analysis, and allergen management
Benefits
- Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
