Research And Development Manager - Consumer Connection : Job Details

We're seeking a hands-on and curious R&D Food Scientist to join a fast-growing, high-energy team driving innovation. This role will lead product development efforts across new formats and flavor platforms, while also contributing to operational efficiencies, product quality, and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a manufacturing-driven environment and enjoy collaborating cross-functionally—from benchtop trials to scale-up and commercialization. This is a full-time, on-site role based in the greater Los Angeles area, with some travel to partner sites and corporate HQ as needed.

What You'll Do:

• Lead new product development initiatives—formulating and testing new concepts and optimizing current products for flavor, texture, consistency, and shelf life
• Conduct benchtop experiments, pilot plant tests, and production trials to support new product launches and continuous improvement projects
• Own and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs); collaborate with Operations, QA, and Finance to ensure accuracy and efficiency
• Build and standardize SOPs to ensure repeatable, high-quality production outcomes
• Monitor production runs and evaluate areas for improvement across formulation, processing, and packaging
• Partner with Procurement to evaluate and validate new raw materials, ensuring they meet technical and sensory requirements
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders—Marketing, Legal, Supply Chain, Regulatory—to support commercialization, labeling, and product claims
• Use Genesis or similar tools to generate nutritional facts, ingredient statements, and allergen disclosures
• Provide R&D insights and documentation for internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, or a related technical discipline
• 3–5 years of hands-on product development experience in the food industry—protein, snack, or USDA-regulated categories preferred
• Strong familiarity with nutritional software (e.g., Genesis), formulation tools, and DOE/statistical analysis in Excel
• Demonstrated success working cross-functionally in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously and effectively communicating across all levels of the business
• Able to travel occasionally between Southern California sites and across the U.S. as needed

You'll Succeed Here If You Are:

• A self-starter who's passionate about product development and innovation
• Comfortable on the production floor and energized by solving problems hands-on
• A clear communicator who can share technical updates with both peers and executives
• Organized, curious, and results-driven—with a strong sense of ownership over your work