Research And Development Manager

Job Title: R&D Manager

Reports to: President

Division/Department: Product Development

Seniority Level: Leadership Team

Direct Reports: 2

Indirect Reports: 0

Type of Position: Full-time exempt employee

About Itaberco - We make ingredients for a sweet life!

Itaberco is a solution-driven manufacturer of artisan flavors and pre-mixes for the dessert and beverage industry. Itaberco values, above all - meaningful relationships, a quality first mentality, people who are passionate about food and beverage, solution centric thinking and being creative. Our methodology provides niche solutions with creativity, quality, food safety and success in mind. We specialize in flavors compounds, toppings and sauces, syrups, baking fillings, glazes, and dry pre-mixes for pastry, gelato, ice cream, soft serve, frozen yogurt, sorbetto, smoothie, frappe, and cocktails applications.

Job summary

The primary role of the Research and Development (R&D) Manager is to use creative abilities and research methods to improve existing products based on industry trends and develop new products to meet the needs of the company’s target market and customer specific requests.

Responsibilities

Leadership, Management and Accountability

• Serve on the Leadership Team and be engaged in the EOS leadership process
• Leadership, Management & Accountability of R&D department
• Conduct quarterly one-on-one meetings with direct reports
• Manage and oversee all R&D Projects

Research & Development

• Member of Product Development team and lead required meetings
• Develop product formulations with insightful knowledge in food chemistry and ingredient functionality
• Research and implement market updates, trends and industry innovations to existing products and products in development
• Conduct Bench-top testing and analysis for internal screening and product cutting, as well as plan and assist with product application testing
• Assist operations team to ensure successful production of finished products outside of initial lab setting

Project Management

• Manage and oversee Project Management Process including internal projects as well as customer specific projects.
• Generate product specification sheets (TDS)
• Develop nutritional labels and ingredient decks for existing and in-development products and maintain recipe database.
• Work directly with clients along with the Sales & Marketing team on finding solutions for their dessert projects. Assess the scope of potential projects and ensure they are attainable and within budget.
• Assist in producing product samples for customers
• Be accountable to making sure project deadlines are met

Food Safety

• Member of Food Safety Team, engaged in protecting product quality and food safety
• Backup SQF Practitioner, overseeing quality and food safety systems.
• Ensure Food Safety Specialist is being held accountable for their Roles & Responsibilities
• Complete stability testing for optimal product quality and food safety
• Oversee, manage and provide costing analysis for all products, making sure they are up to date with vendor pricing and internal inputs

Costing

• Assist in vetting out suppliers and helping maintain supplier approval program along with Food Safety team.
• Conduct costing analysis on all products including raw material, packaging freight, and direct variable costs such as labor and utilities.
• Update leadership team and operations team on changing input prices 

Requirements/Qualifications

• Masters, or Ph. D degree in Food Science, Food Technology or relevant field
• PCQI and HACCP Certified
• At least 5 years’ experience in the field of Food/Beverage
• Strong understanding in ingredient technology and processing
• Strong interest in Sensory Science and its application in product development, product optimization, reformulation, shelf life, etc.
• Ability to source, select and interact effectively with vendors, consultants, and various technical and/or non-technical disciplines internally and externally.
• Knowledge of Genesis or similar nutritional software and Microsoft Office with strengths in Excel
• Familiar with manufacturing process and equipment
• Ability to do mathematical calculations with precision and consistency
• Formulation development experience required
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work in fast-past environment
• A passion for food
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrates ability to work independently as well as function effectively and comfortably as a multi-disciplinary team member where team results are considered more important than individual contributions.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs