What are the responsibilities and job description for the R&D Manager position at Miller Resource Group?
R&D Manager – Product Innovation | Client Opportunity in Performance Nutrition
Our client, a leader in the functional and performance nutrition category, is seeking an accomplished R&D Manager to lead end-to-end product development across a portfolio of high-protein snacks and beverages. This position offers the opportunity to drive innovation, efficiency, and technical excellence in a rapidly evolving, high-growth environment.
Role Summary
This role oversees concept-to-launch development, ensuring every product meets performance, quality, and sensory expectations. The R&D Manager will guide formulation, scale-up, and commercialization initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams and external manufacturing partners to deliver high-impact innovation across multiple product lines.
Key Responsibilities
Direct full-cycle product development, from concept and formulation through commercialization
Lead optimization projects focused on innovation, cost efficiency, and product quality
Oversee pilot runs, plant trials, and validation testing to ensure manufacturing readiness
Translate sensory and analytical data into actionable improvements in taste, texture, and nutrition
Manage ingredient selection, substitution, and technology scouting to support ongoing innovation
Establish and maintain best practices in lab management, prototyping, and project execution
Guide a technical team through project prioritization, execution, and continuous improvement
Foster collaboration and technical rigor across R&D, Operations, Quality, and Commercial functions
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical/Food Engineering, or related field (advanced degree a plus)
8 years of experience in food or beverage product development, ideally within the nutrition or functional food sector
Demonstrated success managing teams and launching products from concept to shelf
Strong background in formulation design, sensory science, and process scale-up
Skilled in cross-functional leadership, data-driven decision making, and technical communication
Comfortable working in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment with multiple concurrent priorities
Why This Role
This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for an R&D professional who combines scientific depth with commercial acumen. The selected individual will play a central role in shaping our client’s product pipeline—bringing innovative, consumer-focused nutrition products to market with speed, precision, and creativity.