Research & Development Project Coordinator

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

The R&D Project Coordinator plays a critical role in supporting Jeremiah’s Italian Ice’s innovation pipeline by coordinating research and development activities, managing documentation, and supporting hands-on product development. This role bridges organization and creativity, ensuring R&D projects progress efficiently from concept through testing, documentation, and execution while maintaining alignment with Jeremiah’s innovation process. Working closely with the Director of R&D and cross-functional partners, the R&D Project Coordinator supports daily operations of the R&D facility, manages project deliverables, and actively participates in product development activities including prototyping, equipment testing, and taste testing. This role requires a strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, product safety and regulatory fundamentals, supplier collaboration, and cost awareness to support successful launches and product optimization initiatives. This is a full-time, Orlando-based role. Travel is limited and primarily local, occurring between the R&D facility, corporate office, and company stores within the Orlando market. Essential Functions

• Support new product development from initial concept through final formulation, including testing, documentation, and presentations, with an emphasis on Limited Time Offers (LTOs), menu platforms, and innovation calendar execution.
• Assist in executing key R&D meetings and presentations, including large cross-functional product reviews and innovation forums (e.g., JFAC-style meetings).
• Organize, coordinate, and facilitate testing processes such as product cuttings, equipment testing, taste tests, water quality assessments, and product demonstrations.
• Partner with the Director of R&D to develop, maintain, and organize comprehensive R&D documentation, including finished product specifications, raw and packaging material specifications, recipes, formulations, product safety documentation, and cost analyses.
• Support supplier collaboration and relationship management by coordinating communication, documentation, and follow-up with ingredient, packaging, and equipment suppliers.
• Develop, maintain, and present project deliverables including equipment testing summaries, product and sample testing results, regulatory and safety considerations, and project progress reports.
• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration by providing accurate, timely, and proactive R&D information to internal stakeholders, demonstrating a strong sense of urgency and ownership.
• Proactively manage the R&D facility by maintaining, setting up, and breaking down testing equipment and ensuring the facility is prepared for daily testing, presentations, and supplier interactions.
• Provide administrative and organizational support to the R&D department to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and consistent project progress.
• Learn, understand, and execute against Jeremiah’s Italian Ice’s innovation process, including stage gates, milestones, innovation calendars, and launch timelines.
• Participate hands-on in product development activities, including prototyping, testing, optimization, and refinement of new and existing products to improve quality, cost, and performance.

 Qualifications  Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in research, product development, or a related field.

 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Working knowledge of the product development lifecycle, including concept development, testing, validation, and launch.
• Basic product safety, food quality, and regulatory compliance knowledge; ability to research and stay current with applicable standards.
• Experience working with suppliers, including coordination, communication, and relationship management.
• Understanding of product costing, cost drivers, and opportunities for cost savings and optimization.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with a demonstrated sense of urgency.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• High attention to detail with strong documentation and reporting skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and Google Docs; ability to quickly learn new software.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and support multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience operating food service equipment or willingness to learn.
• Passion for product optimization, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Physical De