About the role
This is not a role with Force BrandsWe are partnering with a fast-growing, innovative better-for-you snack brand to identify a Senior Manager, R&D who will lead product development and commercialization initiatives from concept through launch. This is a highly visible, hands-on opportunity for an entrepreneurial R&D professional who can establish the innovation strategy while personally driving formulation, plant trials, scale-up, commercialization, and continuous product improvement.
Location: New York City — Hybrid, two days per week in the office
Travel: Approximately 20%Compensation: Up to $120,000 base salary plus a 15% bonus
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead the product innovation and renovation pipeline, including new products, flavors, formats, and product improvements• Own the complete development process from initial concept and formulation through plant trials, scale-up, and commercial launch• Partner with co-manufacturers, seasoning houses, suppliers, external laboratories, and consultants• Coordinate manufacturing trials and resolve technical or production challenges during commercialization• Identify opportunities for ingredient optimization, cost savings, shelf-life improvement, and alternative suppliers• Ensure products meet quality, food-safety, labeling, allergen, claims, and regulatory requirements• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Operations, Sales, Finance, Quality, and executive leadership• Use consumer insights, competitive research, and category trends to help shape the innovation strategy Ideal Background:• 5+ years of progressive food CPG research and development or product-development experience• Proven success taking food products from concept through commercial launch• Experience working with co-manufacturers, suppliers, and contract manufacturing partners• Salty-snack experience is highly preferred• Strong hands-on formulation, plant-trial, scale-up, and commercialization experience• Comfortable operating as the primary technical R&D resource within a lean organization• Able to balance strategic innovation planning with tactical project execution• Strong communication, project-management, and cross-functional leadership skills This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys building, solving problems, and having meaningful ownership over an innovation pipeline within a growing entrepreneurial brand. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply or message me directly for additional information.
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