Research And Development Manager

Extension, Inc; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in Wisconsin is seeking a Sr. Manager of R&D and Commercialization to lead product development and commercialization efforts. The role involves overseeing trials, scale-up, and ensuring products are manufacturable and cost-effective. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and 3–5+ years of R&D experience in food manufacturing, strong leadership abilities, and capability to thrive in fast-paced environments.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of R&D experience in food manufacturing (required).
• 3–5+ years of leadership or project leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of formulation, scale-up, and commercialization.
• Experience working cross-functionally in manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end commercialization from concept to launch.
• Oversee trials, scale-up, and production readiness.
• Ensure products are manufacturable, scalable, and cost-effective.
• Act as the bridge between R&D, operations, quality, and commercial teams.
• Align product specs, cost targets, and timelines.
• Analyze production data and troubleshoot product/process issues.
• Improve formulations, yields, and efficiency.
• Develop project plans, risk assessments, and documentation.
• Support costing and feasibility analysis.

Skills

Strong technical R&D leader with commercialization experience

Thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments

Hands-on with trials and production support

Gritty, problem-solving mindset with strong ownership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or related

Job description

The Sr. Manager of R&D will lead product development and commercialization efforts, taking new products from concept through full-scale production. This is a high-impact role driven by rapid business growth, requiring strong cross-functional leadership and the ability to execute in a fast-paced environment.

About the Role

The Sr., Manager of R&D & Commercialization will lead product development and commercialization efforts, taking new products from concept through full-scale production.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end commercialization from concept to launch
• Oversee trials, scale-up, and production readiness
• Ensure products are manufacturable, scalable, and cost-effective
• Act as the bridge between R&D, operations, quality, and commercial teams
• Align product specs, cost targets, and timelines
• Analyze production data and troubleshoot product/process issues
• Improve formulations, yields, and efficiency
• Develop project plans, risk assessments, and documentation
• Support costing and feasibility analysis

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or related
• 3–5+ years of R&D experience in food manufacturing (required)
• 3–5+ years of leadership or project leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of formulation, scale-up, and commercialization
• Experience working cross-functionally in manufacturing environments

Required Skills

• Strong technical R&D leader with commercialization experience
• Thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments
• Hands-on with trials and production support
• Gritty, problem-solving mindset with strong ownership