8+ years of R&D experience, 4+ years in management.
Bachelor's degree in food engineering, science, or a related field; Master's preferred.
Experience leading teams and fostering a positive work environment.
Familiarity with ingredient suppliers and co-manufacturers.
Experience in consumer food companies, preferably start-ups.
Strong problem-solving skills with a general manager mindset.
Proficient in planning, project management, and execution.
Responsibilities
Develop innovative plant-based dairy products that meet consumer needs and compliance standards.
Collaborate with various company functions to enhance product uniqueness and efficiency.
Work closely with machine learning and research teams on product improvement projects.
Conduct bench-top tests and pilot-plant trials to ensure product quality.
Utilize sensory and instrumental analysis to inform product development.
Engage in the complete product lifecycle from concept to launch.
Assist with process development, scaling, and technology transfer.
Benefits
Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge food technology company.
Dynamic and collaborative team environment.
Engagement in innovative and meaningful product development.
Support for professional growth and development within the company.
Full Job Description
The R&D Product Development Manager - Dairy, will report to the R&D Director. This position is located in the San Francisco area.
Responsibilities
Create delicious plant-based dairy analogues products that delight consumers and are in compliance with regulatory, nutritional and quality requirements
Work side by side with all the company functions in order to drive the top line, the efficiencies as well as uniquity of all products
Be accountable on working side by side with the machine learning team and the research team on all product development on improvement projects.
Design and execute bench-top tests, and pilot-plant trials to deliver high-quality food products with superior sensory attributes
Use sensory and instrumental analysis to guide the development process
Participate in the full product lifecycle, from product concept to successful commercial launch
Support process development, scale-up, and technology transfer
Leverage external resources to identify potential raw material solutions, define pilot test, sensory analysis, and positively affect project timelines
Maintain detailed documentation, experiment tracking, and outcomes, and document finish good specifications
Communicate proactively and effectively with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Quality, Sales, and Operations
Requirements
8 or more years of progressive R&D experience and at least 4 years of management experience in food products including the successful execution of plant-based food products (dairy analogues preferred)
Bachelor's degree in food engineering, food science, or a similar discipline; Master's degree is a plus
Experience leading and developing a team, strong communication while fostering a great work environment
Experience in working with ingredient suppliers and co-manufacturers
Possess experience working in a consumer food company, start-up experience preferred
Excel in a startup environment is excited to create new procedures and processes from scratch and has a strong entrepreneurial mindset.
Be a problem solver, have a general manager mindset, and take the initiative to get the job done
Possess strong planning, project management, and execution skills, and the ability to articulate where and how you have used them.
Rigorous data-driven/analytical capability and ability and presence to present data effectively to a leadership team
Work well in teams and cross-functional groups in a matrixed environment both regionally and globally
Be agile, adaptable, and thrive in a dynamic and changing culture
Possess strong computer skills including a high level of proficiency in MS Office, specifically Excel
