R&D Manager – Southern, NH
$90K Base + Bonus

Summary:

This individual will be responsible for guaranteeing the innovation, the research and the development and optimization of products, building on the company strategy and quality standard.
Managing product development from concept through commercialization that meet project deadlines include but is not limited to design test work, research of new raw materials and new technologies, managing and obtaining resources, evaluation of results with team and determination of direction, providing operational direction for new and improved products during commercialization, maintaining appropriate records of all work and providing relevant documentation to operation and Quality assurance.
This individual will lead and manage interdepartmental and cross functional project teams of various complexity, scope and size. Additionally the individual will assist and conduct assigned projects within cross functional teams and within the QA/ R&D department.

Responsibilities:

Product Development

Manage product development & commercialization activities within R&D team and within cross functional teams to assure timely delivery of project deadlines.
Lead development and commercialization of complex projects involving new technologies or application of existing technologies that lead to new opportunities for the company.
Assist in identification, development, refinement and planning of new product concepts that will meet business strategies.
Manage development of experimental formulas, processing procedures and specifications for new or improved products that meet project parameters, marketing goals, food regulation and operation feasibility.
Provide technical support with other technical areas to develop solutions to a wide range of challenges (formula, processing, efficiency) and to develop specifications, process procedures, process controls, ingredient statements.
Manage trial runs to validate or modify formulas and processing procedures to ensure reproducibility of the finished goods.
Manage required product testing & validation prior to launch a product (testing including but not limited to shelf life tests, analytical tests, raw material tests, sensory tasting).
Responsible to ensure smooth execution and successful delivery of projects by applying good practices of project management.
Assist in planning and organization of consumer tests and ensure transfer of results and insights back into the further development of products.
Develop working relationships with suppliers and recognize new trends in the raw material market place for a potential integration into new or optimized formulas.

Documentation

Assure precise and appropriate documentation to support renovation, development and commercialization of products. Establish and maintain documents including but not limited to formulas, processing procedures, specifications, project status reports, timelines.
Establish and maintain procedures and guidelines for Product Development from concept idea to final product.

General

Responsible for the hiring, training, coaching and development of a staff
Participate in the development of the department’s annual budget, manage departmental spending, ensure budgetary compliance within own area of responsibility.
Actively participate in a product development related professional organization to maintain personal networking in field of competence.
Responsible to develop, maintain and leverage a network of experts in different fields and ensure transfer of technology and insights in the organization. Develop new skills, competencies and knowledge to maintain state of the art.
Monitor industry innovation trends and stay up to date with technology and techniques.
Create an innovative environment by collaborative approaches with external and internal partners and by managing with passion, intellectual curiosity, integrity and trust.
Assist R&D department with projects as assigned.


Requirements:

Skills & Knowledge

Ability to multi task in a fast paced environment
Proven problem solve skill sets
Excellent in project and people management
Capability to lead cross functional projects
Sound technical/ scientific skills
Knowledge of food science, food manufacturing processes, quality assurance principles, market research practices, regulatory requirements.
Ability to recognize and identify subtle flavor differences in products

Experience

10+ years in the food industry
5+ years experience in product development
3+ years supervisory experience
Experience in food sensory tasting
Experience with ingredient functionality
Excellent computer skills with working knowledge of MS Office

Education

BS Degree required
MS degree in food science or closely related preferred
Formal training in confectionary or related discipline
Formal training in sanitation, food safety, regulation compliance


TO APPLY: Please send a Word version of your resume to craig.macdonald@adeccona.com