R&D Manager

JOB SUMMARY
The Commercial R&D Manager is responsible for leading the research and development activities for beverage, dairy, and food products, ensuring innovation, competitiveness, and alignment with the company's business objectives. This role oversees market research, product development, contract manufacturing, continuous improvement initiatives, and collaboration with external partners and co-manufacturers.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. R&D Strategy
Develop and implement R&D strategies for beverage, dairy, and food product categories in alignment with business objectives.
Analyze market trends, consumer insights, and innovation opportunities to support new product development.
Ensure R&D initiatives meet customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
2. Product & Technology Development
Lead product ideation, formulation development, packaging improvement, and technology innovation.
Oversee product trials, sample evaluations, and product validation with internal stakeholders.
Develop and maintain product documentation, including manufacturing processes, Bills of Materials (BOM), technical specifications, and quality standards.
3. Contract Manufacturing Management
Develop and maintain relationships with contract manufacturers to ensure product quality, cost efficiency, and timely delivery.
Coordinate with co-manufacturers on new product development and technology transfer.
Monitor outsourced manufacturing performance to ensure compliance with technical, quality, and regulatory requirements.
4. Continuous Improvement
Collect and analyze customer feedback to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
Identify opportunities to optimize raw materials, ingredients, and packaging for better performance and cost effectiveness.
Monitor emerging technologies and industry innovations for potential implementation.
5. Team Leadership
Lead, coach, and develop the R&D team to strengthen technical capabilities and performance.
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Coordinate cross-functional projects with Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, Manufacturing, and Sales.