Research And Development Manager

Job Description

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 :

You'll Succeed Here If You Are :