R&D Manager

R&D Manager – Product Innovation | Client Opportunity in Performance Nutrition

Our client, a leader in the functional and performance nutrition category, is seeking an accomplished R&D Manager to lead end-to-end product development across a portfolio of high-protein snacks and beverages. This position offers the opportunity to drive innovation, efficiency, and technical excellence in a rapidly evolving, high-growth environment.

Role Summary

This role oversees concept-to-launch development, ensuring every product meets performance, quality, and sensory expectations. The R&D Manager will guide formulation, scale-up, and commercialization initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams and external manufacturing partners to deliver high-impact innovation across multiple product lines.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct full-cycle product development, from concept and formulation through commercialization

• Lead optimization projects focused on innovation, cost efficiency, and product quality

• Oversee pilot runs, plant trials, and validation testing to ensure manufacturing readiness

• Translate sensory and analytical data into actionable improvements in taste, texture, and nutrition

• Manage ingredient selection, substitution, and technology scouting to support ongoing innovation

• Establish and maintain best practices in lab management, prototyping, and project execution

• Guide a technical team through project prioritization, execution, and continuous improvement

• Foster collaboration and technical rigor across R&D, Operations, Quality, and Commercial functions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical/Food Engineering, or related field (advanced degree a plus)

• 8+ years of experience in food or beverage product development, ideally within the nutrition or functional food sector

• Demonstrated success managing teams and launching products from concept to shelf

• Strong background in formulation design, sensory science, and process scale-up

• Skilled in cross-functional leadership, data-driven decision making, and technical communication

• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment with multiple concurrent priorities

Why This Role

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for an R&D professional who combines scientific depth with commercial acumen. The selected individual will play a central role in shaping our client’s product pipeline—bringing innovative, consumer-focused nutrition products to market with speed, precision, and creativity.