R&D Manager

Kevin's Natural Foods

R&D Manager overseeing product development and innovation at Kevin’s Natural Foods. Leading cross-functional teams to create clean-label food products while maintaining high-quality standards.

Posted 7/28/2026full-timeImperial • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $130,000 - $155,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in food product development, including recipe formulation, ingredient sourcing, and compliance with food safety standards. Proven ability to lead and mentor teams while driving innovation and aligning product strategies with market trends.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Food Product DevelopmentRecipe FormulationRegulatory ComplianceProject ManagementTeam Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Ingredient FunctionalityFlavor DevelopmentSensory EvaluationClean-Label Product DevelopmentFood Science PrinciplesGMPHACCPNutritional Software ProficiencyQuality SystemsLab Documentation

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsOrganizational Skills

Tools & Technologies

Spreadsheets

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Food ScienceFood TechnologyNutritionCulinary School Certification

Industry Keywords

SQFUSDAPaleoKetoConsumer TestingTaste PanelsCross-Functional Collaboration

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead, mentor, and develop an R&D product development team, fostering a culture of innovation, curiosity, and accountability.
Oversee all aspects of new product development from ideation, recipe creation, pilot production, scale-up, and commercialization.
Drive project prioritization, resource allocation, and timelines to ensure efficient and successful product launches.
Lead recipe formulation, costing, ingredient sourcing, and process optimization while maintaining compliance with SQF, USDA, and other certifications.
Collaborate with nutritionists, QA/QC, and culinary teams to ensure products meet nutritional, sensory, and safety standards.
Evaluate and implement emerging food trends, new ingredients, and innovative processing techniques.
Work cross-functionally to set the strategic vision for product innovation, aligning new concepts with company goals, consumer trends, and competitive insights.
Partner with Marketing, Sales, and Brand teams to support product launches, packaging, development, and marketing campaigns.
Assist with taste panels, consumer testing, and sensory evaluations to ensure products exceed expectations.
Serve as the primary R&D liaison for label approvals (GFCO/Paleo/NGPV/USDA) and regulatory compliance.
Establish and maintain robust R&D processes, documentation standards, and best practices.
Troubleshoot production issues, monitor consistency and quality, and optimize manufacturing processes.
Maintain detailed records in recipe/formula systems, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.
Other duties as assigned to support the growth and evolution of Kevin’s Natural Foods.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or Culinary School certification; advanced degree a plus.
Minimum 5 years of experience in food product development in a manufacturing environment, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
Deep knowledge of ingredient functionality, flavor development, sensory evaluation, and clean-label product development.
Strong understanding of food science principles, GMP, HACCP, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
Proven experience managing teams, projects, and cross-functional initiatives in a fast paced environment.
Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
Experience with paleo/keto or specialized dietary products is a strong plus.
Proficiency with nutritional software, quality systems, spreadsheets, and lab documentation.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Offers Bonus
Benefits