Research and Development Manager

Kinsa Group; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k)

PTO & holiday pay

Job summary

Kinsa Group in Winston-Salem, NC, is recruiting an R&D Manager to lead product development from concept to commercialization. You will guide a team through discovery, formulation, validation, scale-up and launch while ensuring sensory, nutrition, cost, quality and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in food product development, strong leadership, and expertise in sauces and dressings. Onsite role with relocation stipend and a clear path to drive innovative products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field.
• 7+ years of food product development experience.
• Leadership experience preferred; no sponsorships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the R&D team, setting priorities, standards and accountability.
• Manage customer product development from concept through commercialization, renovation and cost optimization.
• Provide technical and culinary expertise in sauces, dressings, marinades, condiments, syrups and similar products.
• Oversee the development pipeline using disciplined testing, documentation and data-driven decisions.
• Partner with customers and cross-functional teams on requirements, trials, launches and production troubleshooting.
• Improve formulas and processes while ensuring food safety, regulatory, labeling and GMP compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Sensory analysis

Regulatory compliance

Quality control

Communication

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Kinsa is recruiting for an R&D Manager

Location: Winston-Salem, NC (Onsite, relocation stipend)

Our client, a leader in flavors, condiments, sauces, and dressings, also provides private-label and co-manufacturing services to foodservice, retail, and industrial food and beverage businesses. They are seeking an R&D Manager to lead product development, translating customer and market needs into commercially viable products. You will lead a team through discovery, formulation, validation, scale-up, and commercialization while ensuring products meet sensory, nutritional, cost, quality, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements. The ideal candidate is a technically strong, customer-focused people leader who can manage multiple priorities with urgency and attention to detail.

• Relevant degree, 7+ years of relevant food product development experience. No sponsorships.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $120-150k base salary plus annual bonus
• Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Life
• 401(k)
• PTO & holiday pay
• Relocation assistance

Key Responsibilities and Goals:

• Lead and develop the R&D team, setting priorities, standards and accountability.
• Manage customer product development from concept through commercialization, renovation and cost optimization.
• Provide technical and culinary expertise in sauces, dressings, marinades, condiments, syrups and similar products.
• Oversee the development pipeline using disciplined testing, documentation and data-driven decisions.
• Partner with customers and cross-functional teams on requirements, trials, launches and production troubleshooting.
• Improve formulas and processes while ensuring food safety, regulatory, labeling and GMP compliance.

Competencies Needed for Success:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Culinary Science or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of food product development experience; people leadership preferred.
• Expertise in sauces and dressings preferred; related liquid or semi-solid products also considered.
• Strong formulation, reverse-engineering, sensory, shelf-life, food safety and processing knowledge.
• Proven ability to move products from bench development through commercial production while managing competing priorities.
• Collaborative, accountable and adaptable leader with strong communication, organization and decision-making skills; able to travel as needed.