Food Manufacturing Research & Development Manager - Meat Industry

$80,000 - $95,000/Yr

January Foods Corp - Kent, WA

Full-time - Mid Level

Kent, WA

Food Manufacturing

About the position

As a Research & Development Manager at January Foods Corp, you will lead the company's R&D efforts in the meat industry, focusing on product innovation and quality enhancement. This role involves overseeing the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation to commercialization, while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements and maintain the company's reputation as a leader in innovative ethnic sausage and meats.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Research and Development process for innovative food products.
• Formulate project timelines and draft technical proposals.
• Enhance manufacturing efficiency by refining processes and optimizing ingredient utilization.
• Manage New Product Development (NPD) projects from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct market analysis to inform innovative product strategies.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards, including FDA and USDA regulations.
• Coordinate diverse R&D initiatives for timely and cost-effective outcomes.
• Build relationships with ingredient suppliers and explore new technologies for product innovation.
• Train production teams on manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Document and present project results to management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science or a related field.
• 5+ years of R&D experience in the food industry, preferably in meat product manufacturing.
• 3+ years of experience in food product design and commercialization.
• Expertise in meat/protein formulations and production processes.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations (FDA, USDA, SQF, HACCP).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Strategic mindset for long-term product strategies.
• Sharp analytical skills for troubleshooting product challenges.
• Experience in an SQF certified food manufacturing environment.
• Licenses/Certifications in SQF, HACCP & First Aid.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance