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Research Development Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lab37

Research & Development Chef

Los Angeles, CA

$75K - $110K/yr

This isn't just an R&D role -- you're helping define the culinary roadmap for a business with ... Partner with Brand Manager, Designer, Ops, and Tech to ensure new launches are executed flawlessly ...

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Research Development Manager information

See California salary details

$47.9K

$100.5K

$162.8K

How much do research development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development manager in California is $100,461.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Research Development Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Development ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field, along with project management experienceUsually holds a master's or Ph.D. in a specific scientific discipline
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and coordinates research efforts within organizationsConducts experiments, analyzes data, and develops new scientific knowledge
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in R&D departments across industries like pharmaceuticals, tech, and manufacturingFound in laboratories, research institutes, and academic settings

The Research Development Manager focuses on overseeing research projects, managing teams, and aligning research goals with organizational strategies. In contrast, the Research Scientist primarily conducts experiments and generates scientific data. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

Is a research development manager a good job?

A research development manager oversees research projects and coordinates efforts to develop new products or technologies, often requiring strong leadership, project management, and communication skills. The role typically offers competitive salaries, opportunities for advancement, and involvement in innovative work environments, making it a valuable career path for those interested in research and development. Job satisfaction depends on individual interests and the specific industry or organization.

What is a research development manager?

A Research Development Manager is a professional responsible for supporting and enhancing research activities within an organization, typically in academic, scientific, or corporate settings. They help identify funding opportunities, facilitate collaborations, and provide strategic guidance to researchers during grant proposal development. Their role often includes managing research projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and helping translate research ideas into successful funding applications. Research Development Managers play a critical role in advancing the organization's research agenda and maximizing funding success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research development manager?

To thrive as a Research Development Manager, you need strong project management, grant writing, and analytical skills, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, funding databases, and compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking abilities help you build partnerships and lead cross-functional teams effectively. These skills are crucial for securing research funding, ensuring compliance, and advancing organizational research goals.

What are some common challenges faced by research development managers, and how can they be addressed?

Research Development Managers often navigate challenges such as balancing multiple complex projects, securing funding, and coordinating across diverse teams. To address these, strong organizational skills and proactive communication are essential. Building robust relationships with researchers, administrators, and external partners helps streamline collaboration, while staying updated on funding opportunities can increase success rates for grant proposals. Regularly attending professional development workshops also helps managers stay current with best practices in research administration.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Research Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Research Development Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Research Development Manager job openings:
Research Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,461 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Research & Development Business Manager - Northern California

Helena Agri-Enterprises LLC

Chico, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

WHO WE ARE
Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC is an innovator and service provider for agricultural and professional markets in the United States and around the world. We are one of America's only retailers and distributors with expertise in formulation, research and development, precision technology, data solutions, professional application and manufacturing. For nearly 70 years our people have been driven to provide sustainable solutions that help feed, clothe and fuel the world. With over 450+ locations nationwide and over 6,000 employees we rank among the top agricultural service companies in volume and sales of agricultural products and services.
ABOUT THE JOB
Join Helena as an R&D Business Manager and lead innovation from the ground up at our Northern California territory location based in Chico, CA. In this pivotal leadership role, you'll oversee a dynamic team of research professionals, guiding field-based research operations across a diverse portfolio of crops including tree nuts, tree fruits, wine grapes, rice, field crops and row crops.
You'll be at the forefront of product development, managing the full lifecycle from benchtop chemistry to commercialization. As the strategic bridge between R&D and Sales, you'll help shape the future for sustainable agricultural solutions while managing a dynamic business, driving team performance, and fostering key relationships with internal stakeholders and the grower community. This is a unique opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
WHAT YOUR DAY WILL LOOK LIKE
  • Manages all facets of the field-based R&D operation within the territory assigned.
  • Oversees management, training and recruitment of R&D employees.
  • Prepares, reviews and manages budgets and P&L statements for assigned profit center.
  • Manages and delegates assignments to appropriate R&D team members.
  • Manages and participates in the application and evaluation of experimental and standard products in agricultural and specialty business sectors for their efficacy and performance.
  • Actively identifies and establishes relationships with development, technical service and Sales Representatives for the recruitment of study assignments within territory.
  • Establishes relationships with Helena field teams and growing community for placement of studies within territory.
  • Serves as a technical lead for the development and launch of new technologies within assigned territory.
  • Actively identifies new technology and methods for field development of products in agricultural and specialty markets with inclusion of phenotyping, drones, software systems and other new technologies.
  • Reviews and compiles collected data and reports and communicates reports/findings to appropriate departments, vendors, academia, customers and others as needed. This includes making presentations at sales, training, supplier and professional meetings.
  • Represents Helena at professional societies, outreach activities, grower and sales meetings, field days and other functions.
  • May be required to drive a company vehicle.
  • Provides excellent customer service to all internal and external customers.
  • Other work-related duties as assigned by your leader.
  • Regular and reliable attendance is required.
  • Follows all company policies and procedures.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's degree, preferably in agronomy, weed science, entomology, pathology or related discipline is required.
  • Master's degree or PhD is preferred.
  • Three years of related work experience is required.
  • Two years of leadership experience is preferred.
  • Must have QAL (Qualified Applicators License) or will need to obtain immediately.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
  • Intermediate understanding of statistics and data analysis is required.
  • Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
  • Good judgement and decision-making skills.
  • Consistently produces high quality data evaluation and presentations.
  • Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) license and Pest Control Adviser (PCA) is preferred.
  • Presentation skills to small and large groups with ability to lead and influence.
  • Detail orientated with an ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Excellent knowledge with ARM or other equivalent field research software.
  • Highly organized.
  • Ability to coordinate a high level of activities under a variety of conditions and constraints.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative environment with all members of the sales and marketing and HPG team.
  • Ability to read, write and speak in English is required.
  • Communicating in Spanish is a valuable skill at Helena.
  • Valid U.S. driver's license is required and must meet all company requirements to drive a Helena vehicle.
  • Computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office are required.
  • Ability to travel by various means up to 10% is required.

Successful completion of a drug test and background check is required for all positions at Helena.
BEING A LEADER AT HELENA
At Helena, our leaders are expected to demonstrate the same qualities that we value in our employees -- integrity, passion and accountability. In this leadership role, you will be responsible for overseeing other team members. This includes carrying out leadership responsibilities such as interviewing, hiring, training and coaching employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees and addressing complaints and resolving problems by following all of Helena's policies, procedures and applicable laws.
In this leadership role, you will be responsible for overseeing an R&D Associate, R&D Technicians and R&D Interns. This includes carrying out leadership responsibilities such as interviewing, hiring, training and coaching employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees and addressing complaints and resolving problems by following all of Helena's policies, procedures and applicable laws.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE JOB
At Helena, safety is our highest priority. We seek out extensive safety measures and put them in place to minimize exposure to anything that could be potentially harmful to our employees.
The work environment for this position will be in an office setting and outdoors in all types of weather conditions with exposure to outdoor elements. When working outdoors and possibly around moving equipment/mechanical parts, you could be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, chemical and biological hazards, vibrations and a risk of electrical shock.
This position requires you to use your hands for many different tasks and to talk, hear, walk, stand sit, stand (8 hours a day or more), lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling (up to and including 50lbs or more), reaching overhead (up to and including 25lbs), climbing, gripping, grasping and twisting using hands and wrists, bending and stooping for long periods of time, working below knee levels for short periods of time and working above shoulder level for short periods.
BENEFITS AT HELENA
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance STARTS THE SAME DAY YOU DO!
  • Earn up to $3,000 in Reward Dollars from Helena for your Health Savings Account (HSA).
  • Helena's robust 401(k) Savings Plan offers you a 100% company-match up to 5% starting on your first day. As your years of service with Helena increase, so does our company-match - up to 10% based on your contribution amount.
  • Three-year vesting on company-match with 1,000 hours of service.
  • Access your earned pay between paydays through Earned Wage Access (EWA) with DailyPay.
  • Up to 15 days paid time-off plus 9 paid holidays.
  • Free Term Life Insurance at 1x your annual base pay - paid for by Helena at no cost to you.
  • Free Short & Long-Term Disability.
  • Up to four weeks of paid Parental Leave.
  • Education Assistance.
  • And much more!

For more detailed information about our benefits, visit helenacareers.com/benefits.
STAY CONNECTED TO HELENA!
Follow us on social @HelenaCareers or visit us at helenacareers.com.
Helena supports individuals with disabilities, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Helena is an equal opportunity employer.

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