Manager R&D Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Our client, a hugely successful giant in the nutrition and healthy food segment, is experiencing exponential growth and seeking a talented Manager R&D as an addition to staff.Responsibilities include but are not limited to:              Supporting the following areas of company products: Innovation, Renovation, Supply Continuity, Documentation, Cost Savings and Avoidance, Integration.  Design and develop products under multiple platforms and meet all product design targets. Platforms will include powders, ready-to-drinks, gummies, and handheld snacks.   Execute and manage all aspects of R&D throughout the entire lifecycle, spanning from conceptualization to post-launch. Responsibilities encompass formulating, designing, and conducting experiments and trials, as well as overseeing external testing (sensory, analytical), shelf-life assessments, data organization, and drawing conclusive findings.Facilitate all cross-functional R&D requirements for projects under the Manager’s purview, ensuring transparent communication and updates to both management and other teams. This also includes activities such as providing sales samples, performing package fill tests, and providing technical support.   Collaborate closely with the Vice President, R&D to drive all product development initiatives focused on innovation. Coordinate and organize all onsite innovation meetings, research new ingredients, actively participate in meetings, and stay abreast of ingredient trends while assessing their feasibility. Work in tandem with the Vice President, R&D to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of R&D operations, encompassing laboratory management, shared site documentation, and the development of standard operating procedures.Take on additional tasks as needed to support company business objectives.Set individual goals for improving and expanding on everyday job functions, as well as on the greater social and environmental aspects of your work. We expect that you remain accountable to these goals and report your progress in performance reviews.Adhere to environmental policies, including our environmental purchasing and recycling policies.Be an active member in enhancing social and environmental impact. Help us continue to evolve our commitment to the planet and the people we serve.Encourage team members’ progress to their individual goals and facilitate group goal setting for social and environmental performance consistent with the ESG program.Coach/lead and provide interpersonal relationship development for all direct reports. Key activities include:Creation of an environment to provide formal and informal feedback; coaching to assist in growth of career and key competencies;Providing day-to-day guidance and problem-solving;Identifying and selecting team members; andDriving high performance management with clear measures of success.Comply with all company policies and procedures. EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTSB.S. degree in Food Science required. Advanced degree highly preferred. Minimum of 8 years of formulation and commercialization experience, including 4 years of high protein, low carbohydrate and low sugar, shelf-stable products. Gummies, bars, powders, ready-to-drink, and plant protein experience highly preferred.  Proficient with commercialization. Proven, successful track record of leading and launching projects in a CPG environment with cross-functional partners.Minimum 4 years of executing and managing the R&D lifecycle from concept to post-launch. This encompasses not only all R&D activities but also proficiency in utilizing databases, including formulation and nutritional software, Genesis, Trace Gains, and ERP Systems. Experience with I2L and SAP highly preferred.   Strong computer skills, especially working with nutritional software, spreadsheets, and quality systems. Experience with Excel, ESHA Genesis, project management software, Trace Gains preferred.Working knowledge of bench top analytical and physical testing equipment and methods, including scales, pH meters, viscometers, moisture analyzer.Good laboratory practices including organized data documentation and presentation, attention to detail, and ability to develop and follow batch protocols.Knowledge and experience in conducting sensory evaluations and draw conclusions to navigate development.  Ability to design valid tests and draw conclusions.  Strong organizational, critical thinking, and logic skillsExcellent project management skills with ability to prioritize multiple activities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.Excellent communication skills with ability to identify critical path items and risks, and effectively communicate these to the broader team.Ability to work collaboratively across levels and functions internally and with third parties.Experience working through ambiguity, adapting to change, and persevering. A drive for results/can-do mentality is critical to success.Ability to drive and influence complex decision-making with various stakeholder groups and build consensus.Self-directed with a demonstrated sense of accountability.Ability to adapt to the changing needs of a dynamic growth-oriented business.Effective leadership, teamwork and organizational skills.This position requires ongoing sensory (Tasting, Smelling, Touching, Seeing) evaluation on many different types of foods and food ingredients with known allergens or sensitizers including but not limited to dairy, wheat, coconut, sesame, tree nuts, peanuts, sulfites, gluten, chocolate, fruit, natural sweeteners, colors.  Candidate must be able to safely consumer these known allergens and sensitizers.This is a growth opportunity!You must be a Permanent Resident of the USA or have a valid Green Card to be considered for this position.We regret that, due to the quantity of resumes received, we are only able to respond to those that meet the qualifications.