Hybrid Pet Food R&D Manager — Innovate & Launch

ADP, Inc.; Topeka (KS); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited vacation

Health insurance

401K with employer match

Volunteer time off

Pet-friendly office

Job summary

The Honest Kitchen is seeking an R&D Manager to lead the development, optimization, and commercialization of new and existing formulations across products. You will translate briefs into validated formulations and manage the full lifecycle from bench to plant trials and launch.

You’ll work with cross-functional teams to ensure on-cost, on-spec products that comply with applicable regulations, while mentoring the R&D Technologist and supporting stage-gate processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field.
• 3–5 years of hands-on product development and plant trial experience.
• Experience with co-manufacturers and managing multiple projects.
• Familiarity with AAFCO, FDA, USDA-APHIS, FSMA and NASC regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine product formulations for new SKUs and cost/quality optimization projects within defined scope.
• Plan and execute bench-top and plant trials with cross-functional coordination.
• Manage projects from brief through launch and prepare stage-gate deliverables.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory and Operations to align on requirements and timelines.

Skills

Ingredient knowledge

Formulation development

Analytical skills

Documentation

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Animal lover

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

The Honest Kitchen is seeking an R&D Manager to lead the development, optimization, and commercialization of new and existing formulations across products. You will translate briefs into validated formulations and manage the full lifecycle from bench to plant trials and launch.

You’ll work with cross-functional teams to ensure on-cost, on-spec products that comply with applicable regulations, while mentoring the R&D Technologist and supporting stage-gate processes.