Research & Development (R&D) Manager

Company Description

All Seasonings Ingredients, Inc., established in 1994, began as a family enterprise focused on supplying quality spices and ingredients to local businesses. Now headquartered in Oneida, NY, the company operates from a 175,000 square foot facility that handles manufacturing, packaging, and distribution across the U.S. By leveraging an integrated supply chain that processes 12 million pounds of raw materials annually, the company ensures competitive pricing and consistent quality. Offering services like custom blending, versatile packaging, and private labeling, the facility has a production capacity of 850,000 packaged units and 600,000 pounds of blended products per week. All Seasonings Ingredients remains an industry leader in delivering diverse spice needs with unmatched speed and efficiency.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site position as a Research & Development (R&D) Manager located at our facility in Oneida, NY. The R&D Manager will oversee the design, development, and implementation of innovative seasoning products, lead lab-based research projects, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to align product innovations with client needs. Additional responsibilities include analyzing market trends, ensuring product quality meets regulatory standards, and maintaining clear communication with clients and internal departments to manage product development timelines effectively.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervision of R&D personnel
• Project management: coordination & oversight of project inception to realization/commercialization; including but not limited to product innovation, development, formulation, bench-top testing, production trials, and food safety & quality documentation
• Responsible for project timelines and deadlines
• Problem-solving & decision-making involving identifying and addressing challenges, critical decisions on product formulations, and any issues that may arise during the product development stages
• Conducts market trend analysis for product development
• Research new ingredients, technologies, and methods to enhance product quality
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams to align with market trends and business strategies, including but not limited to:
• Working with Purchasing to secure raw materials for product development
• Working with Sales & Marketing for existing & new customer product realization
• Working with FSQA to ensure all formulations & products meet FDA, SQF, labeling, internal, and customer product requirements
• Interfacing with customers for product development & realization
• Responsible for continuous improvements for products
• Testing of products, including taste and sensory analysis, to guide product development decisions and ensure quality and customer preferences while keeping in mind cost and sustainability

Other Essential Functions

• Upholds the values and mission of All Seasonings Ingredients
• Follows all policies and procedures set by All Seasonings Ingredients
• Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor
• The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Passion for research, innovation, and enhancing products to sustain company growth
• Supervisory and leadership skills
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work independently with excellent decision-making skills, while demonstrating the ability to work effectively in team environments
• Requires skills in the analysis, documentation, and interpretation of product requirements
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access)

Experience, Education, and Training

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Engineering, Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
• 5-10 years in the food industry with R&D or FSQA experience preferred
• Experience in leading R&D or similar teams in the food industry
• Demonstrated success in product and product innovation & realization
• Success in driving process improvement for efficiency, product development, and enhancement
• Experience in Food QA, food manufacturing, or related experience with consumer food
• License and/or Certification preference for GMP, HACCP, SQF
• Equivalent combinations of education and work experience may be considered

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is subject to the following requirements:

• Ability to see, talk, and hear
• The employee is often required to stand, and use their hands and fingers to handle, feel, or type
• The employee is also required to walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• The employee may need to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Strong aromas of spice, allergens, and particulates in the air

How We Reward You

• Annual Salary range $85,000 to $100,000, individual pay determined by various factors
• 401k with company match
• Medical, Dental, Vision all available with date of hire
• Paid Time Off available right at date of hire
• Income Protection including Disability, Life, and AD&D insurance paid by employer
• Training & Development opportunities paid by employer

All Seasonings, Ingredients, Inc. offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. All Seasonings Ingredients, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. All Seasonings Ingredients, Inc. will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.