R&D Manager
The Judge Group Inc.

Location: Bakersfield, CA
Salary: $110,000.00 USD Annually - $115,000.00 USD Annually
Description: Our client, a very stable global family owned (80+ years in business) dairy company, is currently seeking a newly created R&D Manager due to growth in the portfolio. Generous bonus on top of base salary as well as relocation offered for the right candidate. Position based in Bakersfield, CA (onsite). They have a portfolio of the highest quality products and consistent innovation including the plant based category.

Responsibilities include:

Product Development with main emphasis on flavor - trend, development and optimization

Leading Applications work in the Concept Kitchen

Leading Sensory and shelf life studies

R&D Facility and inventory management

Occasionally supporting scale up work if needed

Essential Duties -
• Lead assigned projects in the areas of ingredients testing and product-process development /
improvement from concept to scale up.
• Lead exploring novel and alternate ingredients and technologies in assigned areas.
• Responsible for providing product samples for cross-functional evaluation and for customers.
• Lead related applications work as well as analytical work, shelf life and sensory studies.
• Document R&D work and prepare and submit reports maintaining confidentiality.
• Participate in ideation and product evaluation.
• Support maintaining the labs and pilot plant in a clean and excellent working condition.
• Lead / Participate in scale up and commercialization at remote facilities as required.
• Provide technical expertise and support to customers and different functions of the business.
• Lead and mentor younger members of R&D with a possibility for direct report(s).

Qualifications and Qualities -
• BS/MS/PhD in Dairy/Food Science or related field.
• Five years of strong R&D and applications experience (plant-based dairy, flavor trends, food products).
• Post-graduation counted towards experience.
• Any additional experience in dairy cheeses or fermented dairy products is a plus.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of food -processes, ingredients, chemistry, rheology,
functionalities, shelf life, sensory & analyses, and safety.
• Sound knowledge of proteins, lipids, hydrocolloids, emulsions.
• Ability to lead and deliver quality work within the project timeline.
• Innovative hands on leader with adaptability and integrity.

Other requirements -
• Ability to taste dairy and plant based products and ingredients, identify and compare color,
appearance, flavor, mouthfeel etc. for sensory evaluation and product development purposes.
• Some travel to remote facilities, food shows and conferences.

Please send qualified resume to: lwertman@judge.com

Contact: lwertman@judge.com

This job and many more are available through The Judge Group. Find us on the web at www.judge.com

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