Research And Development Manager ( {{city}})

We're seeking a hands-on and curious R&D Food Scientist to join a fast-growing, high-energy team driving innovation. This role will lead product development efforts across new formats and flavor platforms, while also contributing to operational efficiencies, product quality, and regulatory compliance.The ideal candidate will thrive in a manufacturing-driven environment and enjoy collaborating cross-functionallyfrom benchtop trials to scale-up and commercialization. This is a full-time, on-site role based in the greater Los Angeles area, with some travel to partner sites and corporate HQ as needed.What You'll Do:Lead new product development initiativesformulating and testing new concepts and optimizing current products for flavor, texture, consistency, and shelf lifeConduct benchtop experiments, pilot plant tests, and production trials to support new product launches and continuous improvement projectsOwn and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs); collaborate with Operations, QA, and Finance to ensure accuracy and efficiencyBuild and standardize SOPs to ensure repeatable, high-quality production outcomesMonitor production runs and evaluate areas for improvement across formulation, processing, and packagingPartner with Procurement to evaluate and validate new raw materials, ensuring they meet technical and sensory requirementsCollaborate with cross-functional stakeholdersMarketing, Legal, Supply Chain, Regulatoryto support commercialization, labeling, and product claimsUse Genesis or similar tools to generate nutritional facts, ingredient statements, and allergen disclosuresProvide R&D insights and documentation for internal and external stakeholdersQualifications:Bachelors degree in Food Science, Meat Science, or a related technical discipline35 years of hands-on product development experience in the food industryprotein, snack, or USDA-regulated categories preferredStrong familiarity with nutritional software (e.g., Genesis), formulation tools, and DOE/statistical analysis in ExcelDemonstrated success working cross-functionally in a fast-paced, team-oriented environmentComfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously and effectively communicating across all levels of the businessAble to travel occasionally between Southern California sites and across the U.S. as neededYou'll Succeed Here If You Are:A self-starter whos passionate about product development and innovationComfortable on the production floor and energized by solving problems hands-onA clear communicator who can share technical updates with both peers and executivesOrganized, curious, and results-drivenwith a strong sense of ownership over your work

Created: 2025-09-23