The R&D Manager will be responsible for managing all formulated shelf-stable, milk-based beverage/and cheese products along with leading the R&D team in all areas of the R&D Department. This will include customer projects, trials, product launches, and other various functions within the department. The R&D Manager will ensure and manage all relationships with customers and work in collaboration with other internal departments.

Qualifications and Responsibilities:

• Manages and has oversight of all R&D personnel (scientists; technicians, regulatory specialist).
• Lead R&D Department in developing a new line of products for cheese and beverage divisions to meet consumer demand.
• Direct and drive the Research and Development (R&D) program, from new product proposal to commercialization.
• Drive accountability, consistency, quality, and process standardization across all phases of R&D.
• Establish specific SOPs for the R&D Department to improve efficiency, communication, and organization.
• Monitors compliance (in collaboration with the Quality, Operations, Warehousing, and Maintenance) with food safety standards to ensure products meet food safety practices and assist in writing all Company documents involving HACCP, Food Safety, and Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Provides continuous improvement direction and strategies for the department, processes, procedures, and related R&D functions.
• Reports and communicates related issues, risks, and potential findings within the department’s scope of work to senior leadership.
• Ensures and manages all R&D projects with appropriate delegation to the R&D team. Ensures all R&D projects are meeting deadlines, customer specifications, adhering to quality processes, and following the proper protocol for execution.
• Manages new products, optimizes existing products, and adapts customer formulas for Berners’ customers. This will include communicating project progress internally and externally with Berners’ departments, clients and suppliers.
• Manages and ensures the production bench top samples and evaluates shipment to customers (in collaboration with the R&D Team and other departments within Berner).
• Assists in setting up/ensuring formulas and processes for plant trials and production.
• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Procurement, and Quality to conduct pilot and production trials for customer and thermal process testing. Ensures the successful completion of trials, commercialization runs, and operations team support.
• Provides and ensures timely/appropriate product information to support customer requirements.
• ·Ensures and manages product specifications, ingredient statements, and Nutrition Facts panels, assuring products meet appropriate FDA/USDA requirements for shelf-stable products in collaboration with Berners’ Regulatory Specialist.
• Provides in-depth R&D Knowledge to all departments and Berners’ customers.
• Assists in reviewing product-related artwork/labels and ensures it meets regulatory (FDA, USDA, DOT, State)/internal requirements for labeling and design.
• Functions as a scientist to develop new and optimized products in the execution of technical activities that support key Berners’ clients and the overall Berner Food & Beverage business strategy.
• Applies scientific principles in research, development, production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and utilization of ready-to-drink beverages.
• Works with some independence, exercising ingenuity and judgment in the approach to tasks. Responsible for the design, planning, execution, and reporting of trials and projects with intermediate complexity.
• Ability to work within multiple priorities, projects, and timelines concurrently.
• Uses technical and problem-solving skills to approach projects.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of Thermal Processing including:
• Assisting with and ensuring temperature distribution studies (qualification and re-qualification of retort machines)
• Assisting with thermal processing studies in pilot and production retorts, under the direction of the management and Process Authority
• Assisting with and ensuring heat penetration testing for new formulas and any formula changes and FDA filing.
• Assisting R&D personnel for deviation testing.

Requirements:

· Minimum B.S. in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field. Minimum master’s preferred in Dairy Science

· Preferred 7-10 years of food product development and commercialization experience.

· Strong experience leading and managing teams specifically in R&D.

· Solid understanding of emulsions, milk & whey proteins, food safety, and allergens

· Retort experience desired

· Ability to discriminate flavors.

· Demonstrates initiative and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

· Excellent relationship skills and ability to work directly with customers and sales.

· Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)

· Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

· Excellent project management and organizational skills

· Ability to maintain and operate laboratory and pilot equipment.

· Ability to work in a production environment and support production trials in a 24/7 operation.

· Good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

· Strong in Microsoft Excel and navigating web-based systems.

Pay Range: 125-150K Base Salary (based on experience) - Full benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k).

All job duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description must be performed onsite at our designated workplace location. This position does not offer remote, hybrid, or or telecommuting work options. Applicants must be able and willing to work in person as a condition of employment.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as needed to meet Berner Food & Beverage’s ongoing needs.