Research And Development Manager - Beverage Applications

Duties & Responsibilities

A technically proficient, senior beverage scientist that manages a team of beverage application scientists and technicians while also providing applications lab support through hands-on product development. Project turnaround time, accuracy, and communication of project results are critical to success, as well as an ability to make independent decisions.

• Develop and grow a team of beverage application scientists and technicians, including managing the group’s project objectives and deadlines.
• Formulate beverage product concepts to demonstrate flavor creation innovation that supports customer’s requests, proactive growth opportunities, and market trends.
• Lead and participate in a cross-functional team for specific customer opportunities.
• Complete all assigned project tasks successfully and keep relevant stakeholders informed of project status, including R&D management, business development, sales, and customers.
• Interface with flavor chemistry, business development, sales, marketing, operations, purchasing, regulatory, and finance.
• Reverse engineer beverage formulations to deliver prototypes and concepts, as required.
• Evaluate flavors, create new flavor blends, and make recommendations to satisfy project requirements.
• Evaluate samples through bench-top testing and structured sensory methods with the sensory science team.
• Provide technical expertise to customers through conference calls, video calls, in-person customer visits, and on-site working sessions.
• Travel to customer meetings and industry trade shows to represent Virginia Dare Applications.
• Follow all company safety and GMP practices. Maintain work area in a safe, neat, and organized manner. Adhere to all Virginia Dare policies and procedures.

Skills/Experience Required

Education: BS or MS in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Engineering

Experience required:

• Minimum 15 years in Beverage R&D
• 3-5 years of experience managing technical team members
• Beverage (carbonated and still, juices, sports drinks, energy shots, functional beverages)
• Coffee and tea RTD beverages
• Alcoholic and zero-proof beverages

Experience working with the following product areas a plus:

• CPG commercialization and production scale-up
• Aseptically processed, ready-to-drink (RTD) protein drinks and shakes
• Dairy/plant-based creamers
• RTM protein shakes
• Dairy (yogurt, ice cream, milk)

• Hands-on experience with pilot plant equipment (Microthermics unit or equivalent)
• Proficient in general lab practices
• Skilled in applying and assessing flavors through taste and smell
• Strong knowledge in formulation and ingredient functionality
• Strong leadership skills
• Able to deliver results within short timelines with limited direction and supervision
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate creativity and innovative ideas in all aspects of product development