R&D Product Development Manager
This is a high-impact leadership role within a specialized segment of the food ingredient industry, focusing on the innovation of caramel colors and burnt sugar solutions. It combines technical scientific expertise with strategic project management, requiring a candidate who can navigate both the laboratory and the production floor. The role is distinctive for its blend of legacy stability—working for a century-old company—and the fast-paced demand for modern, clean-label food solutions.
TCG Recruiting
Louisville, Kentucky, United States · Posted 28 April 2026
The role
Overview
The hiring side
About TCG Recruiting
TCG Recruiting is a large employer working in food & beverage ingredients, based in Louisville, Kentucky, United States.
Food & Beverage Ingredients
Large
Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Go deeper
See TCG Recruiting the way an insider would
Unlock company research, key people to know, recent moves, and how this role fits into their wider picture.
Research TCG RecruitingWhat they need
Requirements & Skills
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop new products aligned with regional and global commercial strategies
- Lead end-to-end R&D projects including planning, validation, and industrial trials
- Coordinate cross-functionally with production and quality departments to ensure feasibility
- Provide technical solutions and training to internal stakeholders and external customers
- Ensure all new materials and processes adhere to environmental and food safety standards
Essential
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline
- 5 to 10 years of research and development experience within food or beverage manufacturing
- Demonstrated ability to manage the full product lifecycle from concept to commercialization
- Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to coach and mentor a core R&D team
- Proficiency in performing complex mathematical calculations and maintaining meticulous data records
- Deep understanding of GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) standards
- Familiarity with FDA, USDA, or equivalent international regulatory frameworks
- Willingness to travel approximately 15–20% for customer engagement and project execution
Preferred
- Master’s Degree in a relevant scientific field
- Professional background or specialized training in sensory analysis
Key Skills
Networking
People to Know
Sign up to discover hiring managers, team leads, and key people at TCG Recruiting.
Perks
Benefits & perks
- Opportunity to work with a global industry leader
- Leadership and mentorship responsibilities
- Exposure to international markets and diverse applications
- Involvement in clean-label innovation and specialty ingredient development
Next step
Apply now
Found via tcgrecruit.com