Food Research Development Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Benefits and Culture

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to help employees live a healthier life, build rewarding careers and save for the future.  Reser’s offers choices whenever possible, because we recognize the diverse and ever-changing needs of our employees.  Full-time employee benefits include medical, dental, vision, AD&D, life, 401(k) with discretionary match, wellness programs, paid time off, company paid holidays and a variety of voluntary benefit options.

We strive to be Employer of Choice.  As one of our five cornerstones, this means that we go all-out to create an environment that shows we are committed to investing in employee growth and creating a culture of belonging where employees what to build a lasting career.  

Visit our website to learn more about our competitive benefit programs – www.resers.com/careers/#benefits

Reser’s Fine Foods – Job Description

Title: Sr. Manager, Food Labeling FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Corporate Job Family: Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory

Reports to: Director, Food Safety and Policy Career Track/Level: Management, M4

Job Summary:

The Senior Manager, Food Labeling is responsible for establishing, leading, and scaling Reser’s enterprise food labeling program to ensure regulatory compliance while supporting business growth and speed-to-market. This role serves as the company’s senior authority and decision owner for North American food labeling regulations and is accountable for program development, governance maturity, system optimization, and long-term scalability.

This position leads and develops a labeling organization, setting foundational expectations, building cross-functional trust, and elevating technical capability across the team. The Senior Manager partners closely with Regulatory, R&D, Quality, Operations, Marketing, and Commercial teams to ensure confidence in labeling decisions, translate complex regulatory requirements into practical solutions, and establish labeling as a valued business partner. Periodic on-site support at manufacturing facilities is required to implement, standardize, and embed labeling programs.

Essential Position Functions: 

1. Establish and lead the corporate food labeling strategy, including rebuilding foundational programs, ensuring they are sustainable, scalable, and capable of supporting evolving business needs.

2. Serve as the senior authority on food labeling regulations, including FDA, FSIS, CFIA, and other applicable North American requirements, providing regulatory interpretation and riskbased guidance.

3. Design, implement, and continuously improve labeling policies, procedures, workflows, and governance to ensure consistent, trusted, and compliant execution across the organization.

4. Lead the creation, maintenance, and optimization of the enterprise nutrition and labeling database, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and effective use across systems and teams.

5. Oversee technical validation of labeling content, including ingredient statements, allergens, nutrition facts, claims substantiation, and case labeling requirements.

6. Build, lead, and develop a junior and developing labeling team, establishing role clarity, expectations, coaching plans, and structured capability development.

7. Provide mentorship and final regulatory judgment for complex or ambiguous labeling decisions, balancing compliance with business agility while building organizational confidence in labeling outcomes.

8. Partner crossfunctionally to support new product development, reformulations, customerspecific projects, and commercialization initiatives.

9. Communicate current and emerging regulatory and customer labeling requirements to ensure timely and compliant implementation.

10. Define and monitor key performance indicators to assess labeling compliance, program effectiveness, and continuous improvement opportunities.

11. Support internal and external audits and respond to regulatory agency inquiries related to labeling compliance.

12. Lead change management efforts to rebuild trust in labeling processes, improve cross functional collaboration, and position labeling as a proactive, solutions oriented business partner.

13. Elevate labeling knowledge and regulatory awareness across cross functional teams through training, guidance, and practical decision frameworks.

Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Regulatory Affairs, Biological Sciences, or a related field.

2. Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in food labeling compliance across FDA and FSIS regulated products; Canada and Mexico experience strongly preferred.

3. Minimum 5 years of people management experience, including coaching, performance management, and team development.

4. Demonstrated experience building, re-building or transforming labeling programs, processes, or systems in complex organizations.

5. Master’s degree or graduate certification in Food Law, Food Safety, or a related field, preferred.

6. Experience in food manufacturing operations or quality assurance, preferred.

7. FSMA PCQI, HACCP certifications (FDA, FSIS, Seafood), preferred. 

8. Working knowledge of Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, preferred.

9. Experience implementing or managing digital labeling systems, PLM, ERP, or enterprise data platforms, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Strong business orientation with the ability to balance regulatory rigor with operational and commercial needs.

2. Proven ability to exercise sound judgment in ambiguous or fastpaced environments.

3. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, labeling software, nutrition databases, and enterprise data systems.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: 

1. Primarily office environment. 

2. Refrigerated and ambient food manufacturing environments may be wet or dry, and temperatures may range from 25°F to 110°F.

3. Occasional travel (20%) throughout the US to support manufacturing facilities or attend professional training. 

4. Able to work extended hours on occasion. 

5. Occasionally lift packages up to 20 pounds.

Exempt only:  This position is eligible for a bonus based on company goals/performance.