Research and Development Manager, CPG

About us:

Headquartered in Vernon, CA, we are a premium full spectrum manufacturer and distributor of fine food and beverage products. Family owned and operated since 1977, our Company offers more than 4,000 products to a variety of customers in both the foodservice and retail channels. We are committed to providing the highest quality food products with an unrelenting commitment to fresh, nutritious ingredients and promotion of eco-friendly business practices.

Summary:

This role will be supporting a growing R&D and Commercialization team. This associate will manage product development projects from concept to shelf including all technical aspects related to design, quality and shelf life, packaging, claims validation, production trials and launch support. Responsible for driving product development and leading the NPD team in execution. Ideal candidate is passionate about food, product design and creative product development. Candidate would preferably have direct experience in cooked entrees and appetizers, frozen desserts (ice cream, pies, novelties) and refrigerated food categories. This position functions within a fast-paced environment of creative energy, novel product designs and opportunities to continue professional growth and technical knowledge.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for leading development stages of new entree, dessert and bakery products and assist in commercialization efforts.
• Develop concepts and prototypes using market research, category experience and consumer-centric designs.
• Use creative solutions to develop novel prototypes, keeping commercialization and capabilities in mind.
• Identify partners, equipment and processes that will successfully deliver commercialized versions of prototypes.
• Lead plant trials, sensory testing, shelf life verification and claim validation.
• Lead meetings with cross functional teams, which may include program development, brainstorming sessions, timelines and project status updates (teams include Culinary, Purchasing, Production, QA, Marketing, Finance, Regulatory).
• Lead preparation of comprehensive process documentation to enable smooth commercialization and training of plant personnel, and meet internal and external audit requirement including regulatory compliance, label reviews, BOM specification, raw ingredients specification, product specification, shelf life, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in food science, biology, chemistry, agricultural science, or a related life science field. Masters degree is a plus.
• Min 5 years’ experience in food product or process development, QA, or manufacturing, preferably in bakery, refrigerated, and/or frozen food categories.
• Strong computer skills are essential.
• Knowledge of the Culinary Arts.
• Technical excellence in a food science related field.
• Demonstrate track-record of successful product design and launches, preferably in frozen desserts or refrigerated product categories.
• Competent in leading benchtop development and manufacturing trials.
• Excellent organizational skills and time management.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Loves food and working with a passionate team.
• Ability to bring out the best in fellow team members and display leadership qualities.
• Travel up to 20 – 40%.
• Ideal candidate must be able to read and comprehend written and verbal instructions. Draft memos and correspondence with ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, verbal, or diagram form. Be able to read and comprehend instruments, equipment manuals.
• While performing the duties of this job, the individual is regularly required to smell, taste, and consume all food types. The individual will occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Benefits Overview:

• Holiday Pay.
• Paid Time Off.
• Health Insurance.
• Vision Insurance.
• Dental Insurance.
• Accident Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• 401k.