R&D Manager

Our client, a growing food manufacturer based in South Austin, TX, is looking for an experienced R&D Manager to join their team.
This is a key technical leadership role responsible for driving product innovation, leading formulation work, and supporting commercialization as the company continues to expand.

What YOU get to DO at this growing company:

• Lead end-to-end product development from concept and formulation through pilot runs and commercialization.
• Manage all R&D initiatives, including new product development, customer-driven projects, reformulations, cost optimizations, and shelf-life improvements.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Quality, Procurement, and Sales to ensure new products are commercially viable, cost-effective, and meet customer expectations.
• Oversee benchtop formulation, sensory evaluation, ingredient functionality testing, and documentation of formulas and specifications.
• Support scale-up trials and work directly with production teams to ensure smooth transition from lab to manufacturing.
• Monitor food trends, ingredient technologies, and competitive products to guide innovation strategy and customer pitches.
• Maintain accurate R&D documentation, product specifications, ingredient statements, allergen info, and regulatory compliance.

What you NEED to SUCCEED in this challenging role:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 5+ years of product development experience in food manufacturing
• Hands-on formulation expertise and a strong understanding of ingredient functionality, shelf-life, and food safety requirements.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with multiple teams
• Ability to think both creatively (innovation) and practically (manufacturing feasibility and cost).

What's in it for YOU?

• Competitive compensation, bonus and benefits package.
• Opportunity to shape the innovation pipeline of a fast-growing, high-quality food manufacturer.
• Collaborative environment that values creativity, technical excellence, and team success.

INDSJ