Position Summary:
We are seeking a Senior Manager of Incubation R&D to lead rapid prototyping and technical feasibility development for disruptive and architectural innovation initiatives. This role will operate at the intersection of emerging technology, ingredient systems, and product experience.
This is a fast-paced, experimentation-focused R&D role - distinct from traditional commercialization pipelines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop rapid prototypes across emerging product platforms
- Lead the development of company food product prototyping capability.
- Recommend a comprehensive plan that should include build/partner/contract options and considerations.
- Assess ingredient systems, processing feasibility, and scalability risks
- Collaborate with suppliers and pilot facilities
- Conduct early regulatory and compliance assessments
- Iterate prototypes based on consumer and market feedback
- Prepare technical transition packages for scale-up
Requirements:
- 8-15+ years experience in food R&D or technical product development
- Strong knowledge of formulation, ingredient functionality, and processing
- Experience bringing new technologies or formats to market
- Ability to operate in rapid iteration environments
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills
- Experience in alternative proteins, fermentation, functional ingredients, or emerging food technologies
- Experience in early-stage innovation environments
- Regulatory familiarity (FDA/USDA)
Preferred:
- Experience in alternative proteins, fermentation, functional ingredients, or emerging food technologies
- Experience in early-stage innovation environments with a passion for getting to "looks like, tastes like" protocepts quickly
- Regulatory familiarity (FDA/USDA)
- Complements a strong knowledge of the applicable science with a "hands on" approach to translating it into the MVP (minimum viable product)
Success Profile:
- Technically creative
- Structured yet agile
- Comfortable with ambiguity
- Solution-oriented and experimental
- Strong problem-solving ability
The base salary for this position is between $110,000.00 and $140,000.00 per year. Actual compensation will depend on a variety of factors, including qualifications, experience, and location. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation and benefits, including an annual incentive bonus, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, PTO/FTO, and a 401(k) plan with company match.
