Senior Manager Research & Development

Company Description

At Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.

We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands—Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Golden Island®, BiFi®, and Peperami® and KOOEE!® to name a few—there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.

Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.

Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.

Job Description

The Senior Manager Research & Development is responsible for leading the development and optimization of new and existing food products, processes, and technologies. This role ensures that all projects align with company objectives for innovation, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. The Senior R&D Manager collaborates cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain to deliver commercially viable solutions that meet consumer needs and business goals.  This individual is also responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring standard work, process improvements and mentoring / coaching food scientists.

DIRECT REPORTS

• Product Developer (2)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Job Functions)

The duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

• Product Development: (30%)
  • Lead the creation, formulation, and testing of new food products from concept to commercialization.
  • Optimize existing product lines for cost, quality, and sustainability.
• Project Management: (30%)
  • Manage multiple R&D projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of formulations, processes, and specifications.
• Team Development: (30%)
  • Mentor and develop R&D staff, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Strategic planning as a member of the R&D leadership team (10%)
  • Auditing and aligning on the key needs for the R&D team to deliver on the needs of the business

The above areas include:

• Technical Leadership:
  • Provide technical expertise in food science, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
  • Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Partner with Marketing to translate consumer insights into product concepts.
  • Work with Operations and Supply Chain to ensure scalability and manufacturability.
• Compliance & Quality:
  • Ensure all products meet food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company quality guidelines.

Support labeling, nutritional analysis, and allergen management
 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an Team Member to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or more up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT