Senior Research and Development Manager -Food Manufacturing ($100,000+ annually - Based on Experience)

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Located in Montgomery, AL

Salary: $100,000+ annually (BOE)

Job Title: Senior Research & Development Manager -Food Manufacturing ($100,000+ annually - Based on Experience)
Location: Montgomery, AL Surrounding area
Job Type: Full-time
Shift: Day shift 
Pay Range: $100,000+ annually - Based on Experience

Position Summary:
The Senior Research & Development Manager is responsible for leading the development, optimization, and commercialization of food products while ensuring full compliance with all food safety, quality, and regulatory standards, including SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification requirements. This role combines innovation leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and technical expertise to drive product excellence, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research & Product Development
• Lead end-to-end product development initiatives from concept through commercialization.
• Drive innovation aligned with consumer trends, customer requirements, and business strategy.
• Formulate, test, and refine food products with a focus on quality, safety, shelf life, and scalability.
• Evaluate new ingredients, processing technologies, and packaging solutions.

Food Safety, Quality & SQF Compliance:
Ensure R&D activities fully comply with SQF Food Safety Code, FDA, USDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
Partner with Quality Assurance to maintain and continuously improve food safety and quality programs.
Participate in SQF audits (internal, customer, and third-party) and support corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
Incorporate HACCP, GMPs, allergen controls, and product risk assessments into all development projects.
Ensure proper documentation, validation, and traceability for formulas and processes.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Lead, mentor, and develop R&D team members, fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Sales teams.
• Support cost-reduction initiatives without compromising food safety or product integrity.
• Interface with customers, suppliers, and co-manufacturers as a technical subject matter expert.

Process Optimization & Commercialization:

• Oversee scale-up trials and first production runs to ensure successful commercialization.
• Optimize formulations and processes for yield, efficiency, and consistency.
• Manage R&D budgets, timelines, and resource allocation.

Qualifications & Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 4+ years of progressive R&D experience in food manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong working knowledge of SQF, HACCP, GMPs, and food safety systems.
• Experience supporting or leading SQF audits.
• Proven track record of successful product launches and commercialization.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Preferred:

• SQF Practitioner certification or equivalent food safety credential.
• Familiarity with FDA labeling requirements and nutritional compliance.
• Experience working with co-packers or contract manufacturers.

Key Competencies:

• Food safety-first mindset
• Innovation leadership
• Regulatory and technical expertise
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Data-driven decision-making
• Continuous improvement orientation

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Manufacturing and laboratory exposure required.
• Ability to meet physical demands consistent with a food manufacturing setting.

Why Join Us?
Competitive Pay + Overtime Opportunities
Consistent Work & Job Stability
Career Growth & Training Available
Supportive Team & Positive Work Environment
Comprehensive Benefits Package

APPLY NOW! Take the next step in your machining career. Click [Apply Now] OR send your resume to jobs.MontgomeryAL@expresspros.com and mention "R&D" in the subject line.
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