Sr. R&D Manager, Product Development & Innovation

Company Background

Alamance Foods is recognized as a leading manufacturer of aerosol whipped cream, flavored drinks, freeze pops, and bottled water, offering beloved brands like Classic Cream, Fun Pops, Coffee Toppers, Whipt, and Groovy Glacier. We produce, pack, and ship private labels based on customer-specific needs. An innovative company with proven experience in creating exciting new products that redefine what is possible in the food and beverage manufacturing industry.

Position Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Manager – R&D & Commercialization to lead product development, scale-up, and commercialization activities across Alamance Foods’ portfolio of dairy, non-dairy, beverage, aerosol, frozen novelty, and adjacent food categories.

This individual will be responsible for managing projects from concept through commercialization, partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, Sales, and customers to successfully launch innovative products while meeting quality, timing, and financial objectives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead new product development and commercialization projects from concept through launch.
• Develop formulations, process parameters, product specifications, and commercialization plans.
• Manage pilot plant trials, plant validations, first production runs, and startup activities.
• Collaborate with Operations and Engineering to ensure products are manufacturable and scalable.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts related to formulation, processing, shelf life, and product performance.
• Support customer innovation initiatives and technical presentations.
• Conduct root cause investigations related to consumer complaints, product quality, and commercialization challenges.
• Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure compliance with FDA, SQF, labeling, and food safety requirements.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting aggressive commercialization timelines.
• Mentor junior R&D staff and provide technical leadership across cross-functional teams.

Education/Training

• · Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or related technical discipline required

Experience

• · 8–12 years of progressive experience in food and beverage product development and commercialization
• · Minimum 5 years of experience commercializing products from concept through full-scale manufacturing
• · Experience leading plant trials, process validations, startup activities, and scale-up projects
• · Experience working directly with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Procurement teams
• · Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes and commercialization requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• · Product Development
• · Commercialization & Scale-Up
• · Project Management
• · Cross-Functional Leadership
• · Root Cause Analysis
• · Consumer Complaint Investigation
• · Customer-Facing Technical Support
• · Process Optimization
• · Continuous Improvement
• · Strong Communication & Presentation Skills

Impact of the Role

• · On-time commercialization of new products
• · Successful execution of plant trials and production startups
• · Achievement of project timelines and launch objectives
• · Product quality and stability performance
• · Customer satisfaction and responsiveness
• · Innovation pipeline execution

Equal Opportunity & Employment Eligibility

Alamance Foods Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons because of age, race, color, creed, religion, disability, gender, ethnic or national origin, or veteran status. Alamance Foods Inc. prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability.

Employment Eligibility: Alamance Foods Inc. participates in the federal E-Verify program. All employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a Form I-9 and verification of authorization to work in the United States