Research And Development Manager

Leahy-IFP; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading beverage company in Glenview, IL is looking for a Research and Development Project Manager. This role involves managing the development of new products, working closely with sales and operations teams to meet customer needs, and applying food science knowledge in product development. The ideal candidate has a B.S. in Food Science and at least 2 years of relevant experience. This is a full-time position offering a dynamic opportunity to work in a cross-functional environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in food-related research and product development.
• Must have strong communication skills to work in cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of juice-based beverages and processing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage development of multiple new food products and quality improvements.
• Conduct sensory testing and analyze results for products.
• Develop relationships with customers and suppliers.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Technical competency

Creativity

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Education

B.S. in Food Science or related field

Job description

Talent Acquisition Leader | Building Top-Tier Teams in Beverage Manufacturing

Leahy-IFP firmly believes that our employees are the heart of our success. This position description outlines primary duties and qualifications, but not limited to specified duties, to ensure individual and group success.

Job Summary

The primary objective of the Research and Development Project Manager role is to provide the individual with an opportunity to be a key contributor within the Research and Development Department through the management of research, development, and optimization of both new and existing products for key customer accounts.

The Research and Development Project Manager will be the technical lead for key accounts. By utilizing both their creativity and technical knowledge, they will be tasked with supporting the customer through collaborative ideation, product development, product optimization, product launches, and on-site working sessions.

This highly motivated and progressive-thinking individual will collaborate and work closely with many departments, including sales, supply chain, quality, and operations to help manage customer accounts and contribute to the development and implementation of strategic account plans.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and execute the hands-on development of multiple new products, line extensions, quality improvement, cost improvement, ingredient substitution, and applied technology-related projects simultaneously.
• Competently work independently in formula development. Formulation types may include: matching ingredient statements, nutritional profiles, product attributes, custom formula development, cost reduction, and product optimization.
• Conduct and/or arrange quantitative and qualitative analyses to determine chemical, microbiological, physical, and shelf life properties of raw materials and finished products.
• Conduct and participate in sensory testing and analyze results in support of the development of new or improving existing products.
• Serve as a technical expert while interfacing with leadership and customers’ Senior leadership.
• Develop ongoing and fruitful working relationships with our customers, production plants, suppliers, and independent contractors.
• Leverage and manage suppliers and other industry resources concerning formula development.
• Provide guidance and training to develop suppliers, customers, and the Leahy sales team.
• Ensure all work is thoroughly documented by maintaining accurate and complete project records and formulation data.
• Work with sales team to lead customer presentations and be the expert in the following areas: technical aspects, nutritional, allowable claims, formulation, and possible manufacturing and scale-up challenges.
• Provide detailed information and proficient technical support to the customer, internal team, and production plants for the successful completion of plant scale-up trials and commercial production runs.

Education and Skills

• Minimum B.S. in Food Science or a related scientific field
• 2+ years experience in food-related research and product development
• Experience in product development. Knowledge of juice-based beverages and their processing are a plus but not required
• Demonstrated technical competency through strong written and communication skills
• Must be highly proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Highly competent at problem solving
• Must have strong, outgoing communication skills to work effectively in a cross functional team environment to help meet customer needs and deadlines
• Must be comfortable sharing and presenting creative solutions and ideas to larger groups
• Highly creative with a strong passion for food and beverage

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Research, Product Management, and Manufacturing
• Industries: Food and Beverage Services and Food and Beverage Manufacturing

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