R&D Manager

About the role

The R&D Manager will lead the development, innovation, and commercialization of next-generation products in the food and dietary supplement industry. Reporting to the executive suite, they will transform bold culinary and wellness concepts into everyday household staples.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Drive the technical and strategic vision for product development, providing expert direction to in-lab formulation, bench trials, and taste/functional optimizations.
• Formulate and execute standardized blueprints for product creation, ingredient scaling, and commercial readiness.
• Mentor an agile team of food scientists and procurement specialists, fostering a culture of high performance and creative accountability.
• Act as the ultimate gatekeeper and final decision-maker for critical product specifications, master batch records, and groundbreaking formulations.
• Own the journey from kitchen bench to retail shelf, translating client concepts into retail-ready realities.
• Guide pilot plant trials, initial production runs, and organoleptic testing to ensure seamless manufacturing scale-up.
• Collaborate closely with top-tier national retail accounts, representing the business alongside executive leadership to build custom innovation pipelines.
• Provide high-level regulatory strategy for the food and dietary supplement portfolio, serving as a key shield against risk.
• Direct final compliance protocols for labeling, health claims, and specialized certifications (e.g., Non-GMO, Organic, Kosher).
• Orchestrate robust vendor and ingredient sourcing frameworks, eliminating operational hazards while maintaining raw material continuity.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience in product development and R&D within food or dietary supplement industries.
• 2+ years of direct experience leading teams and managing cross-functional workflows.
• Ability to own the journey of a product from initial bench trial concept all the way through commercial scale-up.
• Expertise in creating, modifying, and balancing formulas, running bench trials, and conducting organoleptic (sensory) testing.
• Deep experience reviewing and approving Master Batch Records, product specifications, and packaging artwork.
• Practical understanding of translating lab-scale formulas into manufacturing-ready processes during pilot plant and first production runs.
• Strong working knowledge of ingredient compliance, testing protocols, and labeling requirements for food and dietary supplements.
• Experience auditing vendors, approving raw materials, and evaluating potential ingredient hazards to ensure supply continuity.
• Familiarity handling documentation submissions for certifications like Non-GMO, Organic, and Kosher.
• Comfortable acting as a primary technical liaison in high-profile client meetings and working directly with major retail brand innovation teams.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick leave

Disclaimer

The compensation and benefits information in this posting represent a good faith and reasonable estimate of what it might pay for this position. This information may be modified at any time, subject to applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer: Eastridge Workforce Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity, and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Eastridge Workforce Solutions also prohibits harassment or retaliation of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is our policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. Massachusetts Candidates: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Privacy: Information collected and processed as part of your candidate profile, and any job applications, resumes, or other information you choose to submit is subject to Eastridge’s Privacy Policy https://www.eastridge.com/privacy-policy, as well as Eastridge’s Pre-Use Notice of Collection and Automated Decision-Making Technologies https://www.eastridge.com/data-collection-notice. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, if applicable, text messages, or emails from Eastridge Workforce Solution, and/or its agents and contracted partners related to confirming assignments and job openings. Message frequency may vary. Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier. To opt out of receiving SMS messages from us at any time, simply reply to the text with “STOP.” Please be aware that message and data rates may apply to any SMS messages sent or received. You can access our SMS Terms and Conditions by visiting https://www.eastridge.com/sms-terms-and-conditions

Disclaimer

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