Lead, R&D Manager – San Antonio, TX

Tribonet; San Antonio, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Tribonet, a San Antonio-based educational platform on tribology, seeks a senior R&D leader to drive strategic product development from concept to commercialization. You will mentor cross-functional teams and advise executives, ensuring scientific rigor and regulatory alignment.

Develop long-term roadmaps, oversee lab operations, and lead cost- effective innovations across categories. The role requires 10+ years in product development and a Bachelor’s degree.

Qualifications

• 10+ years relevant experience – Preferred
• Expert knowledge of HACCP, USDA, FDA, and global regulatory frameworks – Required
• Deep understanding of consumer behavior, sensory science, and product quality metrics – Required
• Advanced expertise in product development, manufacturing, packaging, and nutrition – Required
• Mastery of stage-gate and agile development methodologies – Required
• Strong statistical modeling and data analysis capabilities – Required
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office and R&D software tools – Required
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills for executive audiences – Required
• High-level negotiation and stakeholder management skills – Required
• Strategic problem-solving and decision-making abilities – Required
• Ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams and technical staff – Required
• Strong business acumen and ability to align technical solutions with enterprise goals – Required
• Proven ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously – Required
• Thought leadership in R&D and innovation – Required

Responsibilities

• Leads large-scale cross-functional product development initiatives from concept to commercialization
• Develops and executes long-term innovation roadmaps based on consumer insights and industry trends
• Sets functional policy and procedures for R&D operations
• Serves as a technical advisor to senior leadership with scientific, regulatory, and market evidence
• Oversees regulatory and compliance strategy for new product categories and markets
• Develops and approves product specifications and BOMs reflecting quality and regulatory standards
• Directs feasibility studies and profitability analyses for new products and technologies
• Oversees laboratory operations and advanced testing protocols
• Advises on patent strategy and IP development
• Champions advanced research and continuous improvement initiatives
• Reviews and approves packaging artwork for regulatory compliance
• Mentors and develops R&D talent across levels
• Represents R&D in enterprise-wide strategic planning and innovation forums

Skills

HACCP

FDA regulations

Sensory science

Product development

Statistics

R&D software

Executive communication

Negotiation

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Related experience

Job description

An educational platform on tribology — the science of friction, wear and lubrication

Who is it for

Engineers, researchers, students and industry professionals

Job Summary:

Lead strategic product development initiatives, drive innovation, and ensure technical excellence across complex, multi-layered projects. You’ll serve as a subject matter expert, mentor, and cross-functional leader, guiding teams in the development of breakthrough products and technologies that align with business goals and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Leads large-scale, cross-functional product development initiatives across multiple categories and departments, from concept to commercialization
• Develops and executes long-term innovation roadmaps based on advanced consumer insights, industry trends, and strategic business goals
• Sets functional policy and procedures for R&D operations, ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives and merchant category strategies
• Serves as a technical advisor to senior leadership, influencing decisions with scientific, regulatory, and market-based evidence
• Provides subject matter expertise in specialized fields (e.g., dairy, bakery, meat, beverage, snacks) and emerging technologies
• Oversees supplier relationships, including complex negotiations and contract development for high-impact initiatives
• Leads regulatory and compliance strategy for new product categories and markets
• Develops and approves product specifications and BOMs that reflect advanced quality, sensory, and regulatory standards
• Directs feasibility studies and profitability analyses for new products and technologies across multiple plants
• Oversees laboratory operations and advanced testing protocols to validate new processes and formulations
• Advises on patent strategy and intellectual property development
• Champions advanced research and continuous improvement initiatives, including cost optimization across product portfolios
• Reviews and approves packaging artwork for technical accuracy and regulatory compliance
• Mentors and develops R&D talent across all levels, fostering technical growth and cross-functional collaboration
• Represents R&D in enterprise-wide strategic planning, innovation forums, and cross-functional initiatives beyond Own Brand

The responsibilities and essential functions outlined above describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Duties and responsibilities may be modified at any time based on business needs. Employees may be required to perform other job-related tasks as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodations.

Work Experience

Qualifications & Key Requirements:

• 10+ years Relevant experience – Preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Expert knowledge of HACCP, USDA, FDA, and global regulatory frameworks – Required
• Deep understanding of consumer behavior, sensory science, and product quality metrics – Required
• Advanced expertise in product development, manufacturing, packaging, and nutrition – Required
• Mastery of stage-gate and agile development methodologies – Required
• Strong statistical modeling and data analysis capabilities – Required
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office and R&D software tools – Required
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills for executive audiences – Required
• High-level negotiation and stakeholder management skills – Required
• Strategic problem-solving and decision-making abilities – Required
• Ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams and technical staff – Required
• Strong business acumen and ability to align technical solutions with enterprise goals – Required
• Proven ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously – Required
• Thought leadership in R&D and innovation – Required

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree or additional role-relevant experience – Required

Licenses/Certifications

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

• Function in a fast-paced, manufacturing environment
• Sit for extended periods
• Regularly lift 20 lbs or more
• Work extended hours

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Partner encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.