Job Description

Job Title: R&D Product Development Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: San Fernando, CA

Compensation: $90,000–$120,000 per year

Department: Research & Development (R&D)

About the Opportunity:

We are seeking an experienced and innovative R&D Product Development Manager to lead and oversee all product development initiatives across new and existing formulations. This role involves supervising a team of chemists and lab technicians, conducting feasibility analyses, costing, and prototype testing. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in food science, a sharp sensory evaluation skill set, and a proven ability to translate customer requirements into high-quality product solutions. Collaboration across departments and technical support for both internal and external stakeholders are key components of this leadership position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee all product development activities within the R&D department.
• Lead the development of new and improved products, including juice concentrates, flavor bases, and beverage bases, based on customer or internal specifications.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide technical direction to R&D chemists and lab technicians.
• Evaluate project feasibility based on production capacity, available technologies, and equipment limitations.
• Conduct cost analyses and determine suggested selling prices for developed products.
• Ensure master formulas and compounding instructions are properly documented.
• Review and approve product specification sheets.
• Liaise with customer technical teams to understand product requirements and ensure deliverables exceed expectations.
• Ensure all developed products comply with Safe Quality Food (SQF) requirements.
• Provide technical assistance to customers and internal sales teams.
• Offer on-site technical support for initial production runs and troubleshooting.
• Oversee the successful transition of lab-developed products into full-scale production while ensuring quality standards are met.
• Perform additional duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field (required).
• Minimum of 4 years in a supervisory or management role, with formal leadership training preferred.
• Strong sensory acuity in taste and aroma evaluation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and capable of performing algebra-level calculations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Flexibility to report to various facilities as operational needs require; primary location is San Fernando, CA.

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