Senior Manager R&D

ForceBrands; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Job summary

ForceBrands is seeking a Senior Manager, R&D to lead product development and commercialization initiatives from concept through launch for a fast-growing better-for-you snack brand. This hands-on, entrepreneurial role requires establishing the innovation strategy while personally driving formulation, plant trials, scale-up, and final product launch.

Based in New York City with a hybrid schedule (two days in the office), you will partner with co-manufacturers, seasoning houses, suppliers,

Qualifications

• 5+ years in food CPG R&D or product development.
• Proven track record from concept to launch.
• Experience with co-manufacturers and contract manufacturers.
• Salty-snack experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the product innovation and renovation pipeline, including new products, flavors, formats, and product improvements.
• Own the complete development process from initial concept and formulation through plant trials, scale-up, and commercial launch.
• Partner with co-manufacturers, seasoning houses, suppliers, external laboratories, and consultants.
• Coordinate manufacturing trials and resolve technical challenges during commercialization.
• Identify opportunities for ingredient optimization, cost savings, shelf-life improvements, and alternative suppliers.
• Ensure products meet quality, food-safety, labeling, allergen, claims, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Operations, Sales, Finance, Quality, and leadership.
• Use consumer insights and category trends to shape the innovation strategy.

Skills

R&D leadership

Formulation

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Snack product development

Job description

We are partnering with a fast-growing, innovative better-for-you snack brand to identify a Senior Manager, R&D who will lead product development and commercialization initiatives from concept through launch. This is a highly visible, hands-on opportunity for an entrepreneurial R&D professional who can establish the innovation strategy while personally driving formulation, plant trials, scale-up, commercialization, and continuous product improvement.

Location: New York City — Hybrid, two days per week in the office

Travel: Approximately 20%

Compensation: Up to $120,000 base salary plus a 15% bonus

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the product innovation and renovation pipeline, including new products, flavors, formats, and product improvements
• Own the complete development process from initial concept and formulation through plant trials, scale-up, and commercial launch
• Partner with co-manufacturers, seasoning houses, suppliers, external laboratories, and consultants
• Coordinate manufacturing trials and resolve technical or production challenges during commercialization
• Identify opportunities for ingredient optimization, cost savings, shelf-life improvement, and alternative suppliers
• Ensure products meet quality, food-safety, labeling, allergen, claims, and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Operations, Sales, Finance, Quality, and executive leadership
• Use consumer insights, competitive research, and category trends to help shape the innovation strategy

Ideal Background:

• 5+ years of progressive food CPG research and development or product-development experience
• Proven success taking food products from concept through commercial launch
• Experience working with co-manufacturers, suppliers, and contract manufacturing partners
• Salty-snack experience is highly preferred
• Strong hands-on formulation, plant-trial, scale-up, and commercialization experience
• Comfortable operating as the primary technical R&D resource within a lean organization
• Able to balance strategic innovation planning with tactical project execution
• Strong communication, project-management, and cross-functional leadership skills

This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys building, solving problems, and having meaningful ownership over an innovation pipeline within a growing entrepreneurial brand.