R&D Product Development Manager

R&D Product Development Manager

The Client is seeking an R&D Product Development Manager for a contract-to- hire position at a cutting-edge client facility in San Fernando, CA. If you’re passionate about bringing scientific innovation to life and are ready to take the next step in your career, this role offers an exciting opportunity to lead beverage product development in a fast-growing organization.

Salary: $90,000 – $120,000

Schedule:

M-F Full-time | On-site

Primary location: San Fernando, CA

Overview

The Client is an industry-leading organization specializing in beverage innovation, including juice concentrates, flavor bases, and beverage blends. This role leads the development and enhancement of new and existing products, overseeing formulation, testing, costing, and quality while ensuring alignment with customer and internal requirements.

The R&D Product Development Manager will manage a team of chemists and lab technicians, collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Analytical, and Production teams, and work directly with customers to bring products from concept through commercialization while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities:

• Manage all R&D product development projects from concept through launch
• Independently develop new or improved beverage formulations based on customer or internal requirements
• Evaluate product feasibility based on production capabilities and available resources
• Supervise, mentor, and support R&D chemists and lab technicians
• Communicate with customer technical teams to understand and meet product specifications
• Provide on-site support during first-time productions and troubleshooting
• Review and approve master formulas, compounding instructions, and product specifications
• Ensure compliance with SQF (Safe Quality Food) standards
• Perform cost analysis and recommend selling prices for developed products
• Maintain strong relationships with Quality Control, Analytical, Production, and other internal departments

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or a related field
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a supervisory or managerial role with relevant technical training
• Strong sensory acuity (taste and aroma)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and algebra-level mathematics
• Effective English communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to report to any company facility, with primary location in San Fernando, CA

What happens next:

Once you apply, you’ll proceed to next steps if your skills and experience look like a good fit. Even if this position doesn’t work out, you’ll remain in the Client’s network - allowing expert recruiters continued access to your profile and future career opportunities.

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