We are seeking an experienced R&D Manager to lead product development, formulation, commercialization, product improvement, and cost-reduction initiatives at our food manufacturing facility.

MUST-HAVE EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or related field.

• 5+ years of R&D/product development experience in food manufacturing.

• Direct experience developing MEAT, POULTRY, PORK, FISH/SEAFOOD, or FROZEN PROTEIN products is required.

• Experience with further-processed protein products strongly preferred.

• Experience taking products from concept → formulation → pilot/plant trial → commercialization → full-scale production.

• Strong knowledge of meat science, ingredient functionality, formulation, and commercial food processing.

• Hands-on experience conducting plant trials and scaling products into commercial production.

• Experience with USDA-regulated manufacturing strongly preferred.

• HACCP certification preferred.

• Previous R&D leadership/management experience preferred.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead new product development from customer concept through commercialization.

• Develop and modify formulations based on quality, customer specifications, processing requirements, nutritional targets, and cost objectives.

• Develop prototypes and customer samples.

• Optimize flavor, texture, appearance, cook characteristics, yield, and shelf life.

• Lead plant trials and troubleshoot formulation/process issues.

• Manage product specifications, formulas, processing instructions, and documentation.

• Partner with Operations, QA/Food Safety, Sales, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Finance.

• Identify opportunities for least-cost formulation, yield improvement, waste reduction, and product-cost reduction.

• Ensure products meet USDA, food-safety, regulatory, and customer requirements.

• Lead and develop R&D technicians/product developers and manage multiple development projects.

IDEAL BACKGROUND

The ideal candidate comes from a meat, poultry, pork, seafood/fish, or frozen protein manufacturer and has hands-on experience with formulation, further processing, plant trials, commercialization, yield optimization, and cost reduction.