Now Hiring Research & Development Manager for Food Product Development. $95k - $115k Base Salary + Comprehensive Benefits.

A leading food manufacturing company is seeking an R&D Manager to drive new product development (NPD) and process optimization for fresh and shelf-stable food products such as salsas, sauces, soups, and tomato-based formulations. Ideal candidates have expertise in food science, product formulation, and commercialization. Hot-fill-hold experience is a plus but not required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead R&D initiatives from concept to commercialization, ensuring food safety compliance (GLP, GMP, HACCP, FDA, USDA).
• Develop and optimize formulations for improved quality, texture, shelf stability, and sensory attributes.
• Manage pilot plant trials and scale-up processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Conduct ingredient research, sensory testing, and shelf-life studies to enhance products.
• Oversee supplier relationships and ingredient sourcing, ensuring quality and cost efficiency.
• Protect intellectual property, including patents and proprietary formulations.
• Analyze market trends and drive innovation in food product development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Food Science, Food Engineering, Microbiology, or Chemistry.
• 10+ years in R&D leadership within food manufacturing and process optimization.
• Proven success in food formulation, product development, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with hot-fill, batching, emulsification, and thermal processing technologies.
• Strong skills in project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Existing supplier and partner network to support identification and quantification of manufacturing facilities to commercialize new products according to brand standards
• A strategic thinker with hands-on problem-solving, leadership, and budgeting experience.

Why Apply?

• Lead innovation in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on role with direct impact on product quality and commercialization.
• Competitive salary and growth opportunities in food R&D leadership.

Apply today to advance your career in food science and product development!