Senior Manager, R&D

JOB PURPOSE:

The Senior Manager, R&D is responsible for leading and actively contributing to the Research & Development team, driving the execution of the overall R&D strategy in alignment with the VP, Technical Services. This role is both a leader and a hands-on contributor, balancing team management with direct involvement in formulation, product development, and regulatory compliance. The Senior Manager will play a critical role in ensuring successful product innovation, cost optimization, and technical excellence

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Lead, mentor, and collaborate with R&D Scientists to drive innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction
• Provide strategic direction and hands-on support in product development, reformulation, and technical problem-solving
• Actively contributes to the development and reformulation of products, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective, and regulatory-compliant solutions
• Serve as the primary AAFCO lead, ensuring compliance with all regulatory guidelines for formulations, labels, and product claims
• Develop and execute new product label compliance to support product launches.
• Manage and validate product claims, ensuring they meet legal and marketing standards.
• Oversee and implement moisture control protocols to maintain product consistency and adherence to specifications.
• Ensure yield compliance, optimizing ingredient utilization and cost efficiency
• Lead and contribute to formulation execution, ensuring alignment with business goals and financial targets
• Troubleshoot technical challenges in formulation and production, working closely with manufacturing teams to drive continuous improvement

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required).

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field (e.g., Food Science, Animal Nutrition, Chemistry, or related discipline) required.
• Minimum 7 years of hands-on R&D experience in the food industry (pet food industry experience is a plus).
• Experience managing multiple projects and working cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, and Regulatory teams.
• Strong technical expertise in formulation (C5 software experience a plus), product development, and regulatory compliance.
• Effective project management skills with the ability to balance leadership responsibilities and direct contributions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency in basic mathematical calculations, including formulation adjustments and yield analysis.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. The phrases “occasionally,” “regularly,” and “frequently” correspond to the following definitions: “occasionally” means up to 25% of working time, “regularly” means between 26 and 75% of working time, and “frequently” means 76% and more of workingtime.)

• Office-based role with frequent sitting and computer use.
• Regularly required to walk, bend, and climb within a manufacturing environment.
• Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: (The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions)

• Primarily an office-based role, with occasional travel to manufacturing plants for R&D trials and project execution.
• Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, earplugs, and bump caps when in production areas.