Research and Development Manager

Research and Development Manager

LOCATION: Remote

REPORTS TO: Chief Growth Officer
TRAVEL REQUIREMENT: 25%

JOB PURPOSE SUMMARY:

Good Culture is looking for an R&D Manager to lead innovation and renovation projects through all phases of product development, including ideation/market research, scope, ingredient sourcing, formula development, scale up and commercialization. We are in search of someone who cares deeply about clean ingredients and real food and is motivated by the opportunity to build products that can actually change the food system. You bring strategic thinking, strong technical skills and a culinary approach to developing category leading products that keep Good Culture at the forefront of innovation. Expect this role to be highly collaborative, working cross functionally to bring the highest quality products to life from end-to-end.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop new product concepts from bench to commercial production by translating marketing briefs into technical features.
• Lead rapid prototyping process, prepare and review samples with internal team and conduct external consumer testing when needed.
• Oversee prototype sensory and analytical testing, data analysis, nutritional review, regulatory and label compliance assessment (Organic, Gluten Free, Kosher, allergens, etc.); iterate and troubleshoot to ensure concepts meet cost and technical parameters.
• Develop new ingredient and product specifications and create label inputs; ensure the accuracy of final product specifications and provide recommended quality testing criteria.
• Attend line trials and pilot runs. Provide on-site problem-solving and process documentation; collect and evaluate pilot samples, conduct shelf-life testing, review findings, and make recommendations.
• Partner with Operations and Quality teams to drive scale-up of products for commercialization. Work collaboratively on product improvement and optimization projects post-launch.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for product issues
• Contribute to the packaging review process; review for accuracy of label and claims declarations against formulation and data.
• Partner with Brand team on the innovation roadmap to maintain leadership in our core category; lead culinary-driven innovation by creating front-end concepts that can drive growth in new categories and channels.
• Train Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, and customers on product benefits, features, and FAQs.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in food science or related field.
• 6+ years' experience in R&D/product development in the CPG industry; preferably with dairy development experience.
• Demonstrated ability to launch successful products to market.
• Solid knowledge of food processing, microbiology, FDA Food Safety Regulations, certification requirements (such as Organic, Kosher).
• Experience working with contract manufacturers.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with all levels of an organization.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Detail oriented and resourceful with the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively.
• Highly organized, flexible, and able to work with ambiguity.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret data, technical processes, or governmental regulations.
• Bring a positive, enthusiastic, and solution-oriented attitude to all challenges.
• An entrepreneurial passion and grit.

ABOUT GOOD CULTURE:

We believe that if you eat good things, and surround yourself with good, you'll feel good. Simple as that. That's why we decided to create a food company that offers real organic ingredients from trusted sources, promotes good health and tastes great. Our mission is to reinvent the food system, from the (actual) ground up. We are a cultured dairy company that currently makes pasture-raised cottage cheese, rich probiotic sour cream, cream cheese and probiotic milk. We're looking for some cultured healers!

Good Culture is an equal opportunity employer. At Good Culture we also believe a great culture fosters and values a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. We seek individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply for this position. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Good Culture is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.