Description The Senior R&D Manager leads product development strategy and execution to drive innovation, customer growth, operational excellence, and competitive advantage across Golden State Foods. Responsible for translating business and customer objectives into a robust innovation pipeline while leading successful commercialization, talent development, and cross-functional collaboration.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Develop and execute product innovation strategies aligned with business growth and customer objectives.
- Identify emerging consumer trends, ingredient technologies, and competitive opportunities.
- Drive innovation pipelines including new products, reformulations, line extensions, and cost optimization initiatives.
- Partner with Commercial, Procurement, Operations, and Quality teams to prioritize strategic opportunities.
- Lead, coach, and develop Product Development team members and succession plans.
- Build organizational capability through technical standards and best practices.
- Serve as the primary technical leader for strategic customer initiatives and presentations.
- Lead cross-functional teams from concept through commercialization.
- Oversee scale-up and commercialization activities to ensure successful implementation.
- Drive continuous improvement in speed-to-market, development processes, and manufacturing consistency.
- Provide technical leadership in food chemistry, ingredient functionality, processing, sensory science, and food safety.
- Evaluate new ingredients, suppliers, and technologies to improve quality and competitiveness.
- Maintain awareness of regulatory requirements and industry developments.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Travel required
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, or related scientific field required. Master's degree preferred. Minimum 8-10 years of relevant food industry experience and 4+ years of people leadership experience.
LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES - Leads and develops Product Development professionals.
- Establishes strategic direction for innovation and commercialization.
- Builds succession plans and organizational capability.
- Influences customers, executive leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Champions a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES - New Product Commercialization Success
- Innovation Pipeline Delivery
- Customer Satisfaction and Growth
- Talent Development
- Speed-to-Market Excellence
- Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Continuous Improvement
- Employee Engagement and Retention
