Pay Rate Low: 90000 | Pay Rate High: 120000

R&D Manager

Our growing specialty ingredients company is seeking an experienced R&D Manager to lead product innovation initiatives. This role requires a proactive problem-solver who thrives in an independent environment, takes ownership of outcomes, and drives ongoing process optimization. We provide an excellent workplace culture, competitive compensation, job security, and advancement opportunities.

Location: San Fernando Valley, CA
Hours: M-F 8-5
Type: Direct hire 

Key Responsibilities

• Create formulations for concentrated liquid products, flavor systems, and beverage applications according to customer specifications or internal briefs, working independently with minimal oversight.
• Provide leadership, strategic direction, and professional development support to laboratory personnel.
• Evaluate project viability considering manufacturing capabilities, available technology, equipment constraints, and operational parameters.
• Conduct financial analysis and develop pricing recommendations for all development work.
• Verify accuracy and completeness of master formula documentation and compounding procedures.
• Review and authorize technical data sheets and product specifications.
• Maintain compliance with food safety certification standards throughout the development process.
• Deliver technical expertise and troubleshooting support to customers and commercial teams.
• Provide onsite technical oversight during initial production runs and resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Oversee scale-up activities from laboratory to full production, maintaining product integrity throughout the transition.
• Execute additional assignments and strategic projects as business needs dictate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutritional Science, or closely related discipline.
• 4+ years of leadership experience managing technical teams, with formal management training preferred.
• Demonstrated sensory evaluation capabilities for taste and aroma assessment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; mathematical competency through intermediate algebra.

This job description is a complete list of all desired skills, but not all are required. We strongly encourage candidates who have some of the skills to apply. We look forward to a conversation to learn more about you!

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