R&D Product Development Manager

General Description of Duties

The R&D Product Development Manager analyzes and oversees the improvements on all product development projects which includes any new and/or existing products by utilizing existing and/or new raw materials. Matches products supplied by customers and internal personnel from competitors. Calculates costing and suggested selling prices on all products developed. Directs the evaluation and testing of prototypes. Assists in the organization of all product development projects with other managers and leads within the department. Supervises and guides the work of all R&D Product Development Chemists as well as Lab Technicians. This individual must maintain a positive working relationship with internal departments such as Quality Control, Analytical and Production and all other inter and intra-company lab personnel regarding resources, production, Q.C. procedures and analytical testing requirements, as well as behaving and communicating in ways that foster good relationships with those outside the company, while achieving and enhancing performance standards.

Essential Job Functions

1. Manages and overseas all product development within the department originates and/or develops new and/or existing products which include Juice Concentrates, Flavors Based and/or Beverage Bases per defined customer or in-house requirements with little to no direction or instructions.
2. Supervises, creates and/or provides direction, guidance and any needed support to the R&D Staff.
3. Determines feasibility of certain projects based on production capacity, technology, equipment, and any other potential limitations.
4. Performs cost analysis and suggests selling prices on all work performed by the department.
5. Reviews to ensure Master Formulas and compounding instructions are sufficiently documented as needed.
6. Reviews and approves all product specification sheets.
7. Contacts customers technical staff to determine customers' requirements with regard
8. to product development and ensure that developed products meet or exceed customer's needs and application.
9. Ensures that all products developed meet SQF (Safe Quality Food) requirements.
10. Provides technical assistance and support to customers and AFF Sales Staff.
11. Provides on-site technical support to customers for first time productions and/or any required trouble shooting assistance.
12. Monitors the transition of all new, first-time productions from the lab to production to ensure product quality.
13. Performs other duties and special projects as required.

This description reflects the principal functions of the job for the purpose of job evaluation. It should not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements of the job, nor shall be construed as giving exclusive responsibility for functions described.

Requirements

1. Minimum B.S. in Food Science Technology or Nutrition and/or related/equivalent degree.
2. Minimum 4 years supervisory and/or management experience and some supervisory/ management training.
3. Must demonstrate taste/aroma sense acuity.
4. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; good math skills up to algebra.
5. Must have effective written and verbal English communication skills.
6. Must report to any AFF facility according to company need. Primary reports-to our San Fernando facility.

AFF manufactures custom juice and flavor blends for a wide variety of industrial users worldwide. Companies come to us for the latest and best ingredient blends and flavor systems for their products. In business over 50 years, we have two manufacturing plants and a distribution warehouse in Southern California. On April 1, 2016, American Fruits and Flavors was acquired by Monster Energy Company which expanded American Fruits and Flavors’ resources, significantly.

American Fruits and Flavors, LLC is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment upon any basis prohibited by law, including race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, national origin, cancer, genetic characteristics, genetic information, pregnancy, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability. None of the questions or information sought in this application is intended to discriminate based upon any status protected by law.
****Compensation Range: Actual salary/hourly wages are determined upon a variety of factors such as level of experience, skills, education and /or certifications, location, and position level ******