Research & Development Manager

About the role

The Manager, Research & Development role at Kinder's is a hands-on position that drives product formulation, process development, and innovation from concept through commercialization. This role plays a crucial part in delivering consumer-loved innovation that fuels Kinder's continued success.

Responsibilities

• Support the end-to-end product development process — from concept ideation to launch — ensuring alignment with brand priorities, timelines, and cost objectives.
• Drive Innovation & Continuous Improvement — Identify and execute opportunities for innovation, renovation, and cost optimization across Kinder’s portfolio, leveraging emerging ingredients, technologies, and process improvements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration — Partner closely with Operations, Marketing, Culinary, and Supply Chain to translate consumer insights into technically feasible, scalable, and commercially viable products.
• Technical Execution & Scale-Up — Support formulation work, pilot plant trials, and production scale-ups to ensure successful transfer from bench to manufacturing. Troubleshoot issues and optimize for quality and consistency.
• Project Management — Manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and communication are clear and on track. Maintain visibility to leadership through status updates and documentation.
• Regulatory & Quality Alignment — Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Regulatory teams to ensure product compliance with ingredient standards, labeling requirements, and nutritional accuracy.
• Team Collaboration & Development — Contribute to a collaborative, curious, and accountable culture within the R&D team while supporting the development of junior team members and technicians.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 6-10 years of experience in food product development.
• Proven success in CPG innovation; meat, sauces, seasonings, or condiments experience preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge of formulation, ingredient functionality, sensory evaluation, and scale-up.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Effective communicator and collaborator across multiple functions and levels.
• Passion for great food and consumer-driven innovation.

Qualifications

• MUST BE ABLE TO TRAVEL UP TO 20%

Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 6-10 years of experience in food product development.
• Proven success in CPG innovation; meat, sauces, seasonings, or condiments experience preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge of formulation, ingredient functionality, sensory evaluation, and scale-up.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Effective communicator and collaborator across multiple functions and levels.
• Passion for great food and consumer-driven innovation.

Benefits

• Seasoned For Success
• Our Recipe For Balance
• Where Every Ingredient Matters

Pay

The expected starting salary range for this role is $130,000- $150,000 per year. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance and business needs.

Schedule

No specific schedule is provided in the job posting.