Meat Science R&D Lead — Product Innovation

KINGS COMMAND FOODS 2022 LLC; Versailles (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

King’s Command is seeking a qualified candidate to lead our Research & Development team at our facility in Versailles, OH. The R&D Manager will oversee new product development, testing, and process improvements to deliver innovative products while ensuring cost efficiency and compliance with food safety standards.

This hands-on leadership role requires strong knowledge of meat science and ingredient functionality, with collaboration across Sales, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Meat Science, Food Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 3–5 years of progressive R&D/product-development experience.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new products from concept through commercialization.
• Develop and modify formulations based on customer requirements, product specifications, processing capabilities, nutritional targets, and cost objectives.
• Develop customer samples and prototypes for evaluation and approval.
• Develop products that achieve desired flavor, texture, appearance, cook characteristics, yield, and shelf life.
• Lead the transition of products from laboratory or pilot development into full-scale commercial production.
• Ensure finalized formulas, specifications, processing instructions, and product standards are accurately documented and communicated.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance/Food Safety to ensure new and modified products meet regulatory and customer requirements.
• Assist with the development and review of product specifications, ingredient statements, nutritional information, allergen declarations, processing requirements, and labeling information.
• Ensure appropriate testing and validation are completed for new products and significant formulation or process changes.
• Maintain accurate R&D records and documentation to support regulatory, customer, and internal requirements.

Skills

Meat Science

R&D Leadership

Product Development

Cost Optimization

Education

Bachelor's in Meat Science / related field

Job description

King’s Command is seeking a qualified candidate to lead our Research & Development team at our facility in Versailles, OH. The R&D Manager will oversee new product development, testing, and process improvements to deliver innovative products while ensuring cost efficiency and compliance with food safety standards.

This hands-on leadership role requires strong knowledge of meat science and ingredient functionality, with collaboration across Sales, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance to