R&D Manager

REPORTS TO

Sr. Manager Quality & Regulatory

COMPENSATION

$95K - $105K

THE ROLE

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as our Research & Development Manager. In this role, you will be involved with all innovation and new product development efforts at OLIPOP. This role collaborates cross functionally with the Quality Assurance and Commercialization teams, as well as our Co-founder and Formulator. The R&D Manager will tackle the technical challenges that will help the business grow and improve product/process efficiency while maintaining OLIPOP’s efficacy and quality.  You will also be responsible for leading the R&D team in their efforts to support the goals of the larger organization.  This role is suited for an individual with effective execution skills and an emphasis on innovation, collaborative leadership and creative problem solving.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner with Commercialization and Formulation teams to ensure New Product Development projects are completed on time and meet project goals - cost, sensory targets, feasibility
• Manage internal nutritional analysis program
• Utilize Genesis R&D to create nutrition facts panels for new product, assess nutritional impacts of formula/ingredient changes
• Oversee verification program to ensure nutritional accuracy for all products
• Select methods for nutritional testing with partner laboratories
• Ensure on-time execution and technical support for key innovation projects that support business growth
• Identify new innovation projects that will increase efficiency, reduce cost and create more consistent product throughout the manufacturing network
• Serve as the internal process owner for all things process and and formulation of OLIPOP products
• Lead and develop the R&D team
• Direct R&D technician daily tasks
• Set departmental goals and KPIs
• Create training programs for key activities (sensory evaluation, product testing, etc.)
• Oversee OLIPOP R&D lab by providing support developing benchtop scale production systems, SOPs and overall organizational best practices
• Work directly with the Co-Founder/Formulator in the development of new recipes  and innovation projects and the further development of existing recipes
• Ensure that recipes are created and maintained in ERP and other internal systems
• Work collaboratively with quality assurance to maintain product specification and process requirements
• Partner with the procurement team to optimize all formulas in terms of cost structure, resource use and quality
• Ensure correct coordination and collaboration with the sales and marketing team for the production of appropriate customer samples
• Design and implement sensory tasting program to be utilized internally and with contract manufacturing partners in the evaluation of OLIPOP products
• Manage product shelf-life and other on-going verification programs in collaboration with Quality Assurance
• Function as subject matter expert for all aspects of the OLIPOP formula and process
• Advise Quality Assurance on technical issues
• Support Customer Experience in addressing recipe and other technical questions from customers
• Direct contract manufacturers on correct batching and overall processing of OLIPOP products
• Participate in OLIPOP Technical Advisory Group as a subject matter expert in both OLIPOP specific processes and overall beverage manufacturing process
• Ensure that production recipes, process parameters, the test plan and approval of the new recipe are checked
• Aid Quality Assurance in the investigation or product issues and corrective action process

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or related discipline
• 7-10 years’ experience in research & development roles (beverage experience strongly preferred)
• Experience managing and leading teams
• Excellent mathematical and analytical skills
• Experience with Genesis R&D and FoodLogiq software a plus
• Experience with GCMS systems
• Experience in data analytics or reporting where insights and experience led to operational performance 
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required, and prior experience with Google Workspace preferred
• Strong attention to detail with good follow through to ensure job completion and accuracy
• Good organizational skills, ability and willingness to help solve complex supply scenarios
• People oriented nature resulting in a drive to help others; resulting in strong customer service and responsiveness
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple high priority objectives