Product Research and Development Manager
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Job Description: Level Up is looking for an experienced Product Research and Development Manager who will lead product innovation and development initiatives from concept to launch. The role will oversee the research, development, testing, costing, and improvement of products, raw materials, and packaging materials while ensuring compliance with food safety, regulatory, quality, and labeling requirements. The position requires strong technical and analytical expertise, hands-on experience in pilot plant testing, scale-up, shelf-life studies, product troubleshooting, and the ability to collaborate effectively with Marketing, Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance.
Key Responsibilities: Lead product research and development projects from conceptualization through product launch. Develop and improve products based on market trends, consumer insights, competitive analysis, and product differentiation opportunities. Manage and evaluate raw materials and packaging materials to support product development and optimization. Lead pilot plant testing, product scale-up, shelf-life studies, and product troubleshooting activities. Review product costing and cost sheets to identify opportunities for cost improvement and optimization. Ensure product development activities comply with applicable FDA, local, and international food regulations and labeling requirements. Manage multiple R&D projects simultaneously, ensuring agreed budgets and timelines are achieved. Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure successful product development and commercialization. Work closely with raw material and packaging material suppliers to leverage technical advancements and accelerate product development. Establish and coordinate an annual Innovation Day with selected suppliers. Lead initiatives focused on continuous improvement and innovation of existing and new products. Provide technical guidance, problem-solving, and decision-making support throughout the product development process.
Requirements
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition, or a closely related field. At least 10 years of Product Research & Development experience in a managerial capacity, covering both raw materials and packaging materials. Certifications or training in Food Safety, HACCP, GMP, and Basic Sensory Evaluation. Strong knowledge of product costing and cost optimization. Proven experience in pilot plant testing, scale-up, shelf-life studies, and product troubleshooting. In-depth knowledge of FDA, local, and international food regulations and labeling laws. Proven ability to manage multiple projects from concept to launch, including budgets and timelines. Strong analytical, technical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Excellent interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration skills. Strong ability to analyze market trends, competitor products, and consumer feedback to drive product innovation. Experience working with raw material and packaging material suppliers is highly preferred. Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and specialized recipe/BOM management software. Strong English communication skills, both verbal and written. Strong leadership and above-average people management skills. Creative, proactive, assertive, results-oriented, and open-minded.