Job Description

Research & Development ManagerKing's Command is seeking a qualified candidate to lead our Research & Development team at our facility located in Versailles, OH. The Research & Development Manager is responsible for leading the R&D team in new product development, testing, commercialization, least cost formulation, and process improvement activities.The R&D Manager will work closely with Sales, Customers, Operations, Quality Assurance / Food Safety, Supply Chain Management, and Finance on product-development projects from initial customer concept through full-scale commercialization and optimization of existing products that improve product performance and provide cost savings while maintaining compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.This is a hands-on leadership position requiring strong technical knowledge of meat science, ingredient functionality, further-processing methods, and commercial food manufacturing.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesNew Product Development & FormulationLead the development of new products from initial concept through commercialization.Develop and modify formulations based on customer requirements, product specifications, processing capabilities, nutritional targets, and cost objectives.Develop customer samples and prototypes for evaluation and approval.Develop products that achieve desired flavor, texture, appearance, cook characteristics, yield, and shelf life.Lead the transition of products from laboratory or pilot development into full-scale commercial production.Ensure finalized formulas, specifications, processing instructions, and product standards are accurately documented and communicated.Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory ComplianceWork closely with Quality Assurance/Food Safety to ensure new and modified products meet regulatory and customer requirements.Assist with the development and review of product specifications, ingredient statements, nutritional information, allergen declarations, processing requirements, and labeling information.Ensure appropriate testing and validation are completed for new products and significant formulation or process changes.Maintain accurate R&D records and documentation to support regulatory, customer, and internal requirements.Product Improvement / Cost ReductionWork with Operations and Procurement to optimize raw material utilization while maintaining product quality and customer specifications.Identify opportunities to reduce formulation costs without negatively affecting quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, or customer expectations.Assist in establishing yield standards for new and existing products.Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to yield, waste, rework, throughput, and product consistency.R&D LeadershipLead and develop R&D personnel, including R&D Technicians, Product Developers, and other technical staff, as applicable.Establish priorities for R&D projects based on customer and business needs.Assign projects and monitor progress against established timelines.Establish consistent R&D procedures and documentation practices.Maintain confidentiality and appropriate controls over proprietary formulas, customer information, and intellectual property.Education & ExperienceRequiredBachelor's degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Food Technology, or a related technical discipline.Minimum 3-5 years of progressive R&D / product-development experience.Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.PreferredDirect experience with meat, poultry, or protein further processing.Previous R&D leadership or management experience.Experience with USDA-regulated manufacturing facilities.HACCP certification.Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesStrong knowledge of meat science, ingredient functionality, commercial meat processing equipment and practices.Demonstrated experience with commercial product development and commercialization.Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with production employees, senior leadership, customers, suppliers, and technical professionals.Ability to work independently while leading cross-functional projects.Hands-on experience conducting plant trials and scaling products from bench or pilot development into full production.Strong attention to detail and documentation.Strong understanding of yield and the financial impact of formulations and processing decisions.

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