Join Our Innovative Team as an R&D Manager! The ideal candidate will have a Masters degree in food science and formulations/food coloring experience!

SUMMARY

Are you passionate about driving innovation in the food decorating and coloring market? As an R&D Manager you'll lead groundbreaking research activities to formulate new products, enhance existing ones, and conduct lab tests. You'll collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain teams, as well as our valued customers and suppliers. Your technical expertise in formulation, process optimization, and documentation will be crucial in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in our industry.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Innovate and Create: Develop cutting-edge formulations and bench-top samples to meet customer needs and spearhead internal initiatives.
• Lead Projects: Oversee multiple R&D projects from concept to commercialization, ensuring all timelines, milestones, and deliverables are met.
• Scale Up: Lead the scale-up of formulations from bench-top to production.
• Document and Plan: Maintain detailed documentation of all research projects and follow test protocols meticulously.
• Stay Ahead: Proactively investigate new ingredients, stay current with consumer trends, and analyze competitive products.
• Enhance Products: Improve products by matching color, texture, and flavor profiles while considering cost, label impact, and manufacturing capabilities.
• Technical Support: Develop technical specifications, formulation sheets, and manufacturing parameters. Assist Sales with customer technical issues and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Engage with Industry: Attend local trade shows and meet with suppliers to stay updated on the latest ingredient and process technologies.
• Adhere to Standards: Perform all tasks assigned by the supervisor while following all company, safety, and quality policies and procedures.
• Be Reliable: Maintain regular attendance at work.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Educational Background: B.S. or M.S. in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field with relevant work experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in product development within the food manufacturing industry.
• Project Management: Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage resources effectively.
• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge in formulating, ingredients, food chemistry, and the decorating industry. Experience with icings, piping gels, bakery mixes, and food coloring solutions is strongly preferred.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 (food) and knowledge of food safety regulations, quality assurance standards, and industry best practices.
• Problem-Solving: Creative problem-solving abilities and a passion for driving new product development.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Project Management: Strong project management skills.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-Motivation: Highly motivated to develop new offerings.
• Technical Skills: Ability to operate laboratory equipment and learn new software systems.
• Organization: Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Customer Focus: Customer-centric approach.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving and logical reasoning skills.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work near allergens (egg, soy, milk, nuts), stand for up to 8 hours a day, and lift up to 50 lbs as needed.
• Authorization: Authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship.