Research & Development Manager

Job Description

Since 1750, Finlays has served as the industry’s trusted leader in the supply of tea, coffee, and botanicals extracts to the world’s beverage brand owners. Through engaged employees and a continuous improvement mindset, Finlays has grown this legacy in the North and South American regions. Finlays Americas delivers safe and consistent “fit for purpose” quality products and services, meeting regulatory requirements and customer expectations by being an integrated, customer-centric solution provider.

DESCRIPTION:

The R&D Manager leads a team of scientists and technicians focused on developing new coffee extracts, concentrates and RTDs to fulfil customer needs, while considering food safety, cost, and operational effectiveness. The manager works directly with the Commercial team and customers to deliver innovative, scalable solutions, ensuring all activities are handled in accordance with Finlays mission, business philosophy, ethics, and goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Lead the San Antonio-based R&D team - prioritize and assign projects, develop team members, and ensure that all work is being delivered on time and with the appropriate level of rigor

Apply DOE (design of experiments) methodology to collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

Effectively communicate technical information to a non-technical audience (internal and external stakeholders)

Support Commercial team by developing relationships with key stakeholders (internally and externally) and acting as a “go-to” for technical solutions

Support current and potential customers by providing technical support, attending meetings (in person or virtually), and developing products to a brief

Provide cross functional support for productivity and continuous improvement initiatives

Prepare and manage budget (both operating expenses and capital requirements)

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

Work with outside labs, suppliers, and consultants as needed for project execution

Travel as necessary to various Finlay facilities, customer locations, suppliers, co-manufacturers, and trade shows

Troubleshoot quality and production issues that arise during normal operations

Support re-work and utilization of excess inventory

Attend sensory training and participate in weekly sensory panels

QUALITY / SAFETY:

Maintain safe quality food products by following good manufacturing practices, allergen controls, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements.

Ensure visitors, contractors and customers are documented on each visit in and out of the facility to maintain good manufacturing practices, allergen controls, food defense/food security and HACCP controls.

Immediately report all food safety and quality issues to management.

Partner with others, sharing knowledge, skills, and information within assigned team and across functional areas.

Exhibit an understanding of quality standards and the ability to speak to Finlays quality systems.

Ensure all safety work practices are adhered to, reporting all unsafe conditions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Self-motivated and takes responsibility for personal development while leading, coaching, and developing team members

Hands on, must be willing to work the bench but can delegate effectively

Assertive but respectful – prepared to challenge the status quo while maintaining an open mindset

Ability to work effectively independently as well as part of cross functional and multi-disciplinary teams

Good problem-solving/ Handles complex issues and problems with solutions focus

Accountable, takes ownership and prioritizes efficiently, with a can-do attitude

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

Able to keep information confidential, especially as it relates to customers

Willing and able to consume coffee, tea, caffeine, and dairy products

Willingness to attend continuing education workshops/conferences.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related science, and 7+ years’ relevant experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years’ experience

Minimum of 1 – 2 years’ experience in people management

Experience in food product or ingredient development, previous work with coffee and/or beverages is a plus

Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, regulatory, and labelling laws

Sensory experience on food products with an ability to taste differences in products; good sense of smell and taste; good judge of colour variations.

Intermediate computer skills utilizing Excel, MS Project, Word, PDF, Genesis, Salesforce

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Office, lab, and plant environments; plant environment may involve exposure to excessively hot working conditions

Excessive standing

Need for hearing protection in designated areas

Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs in a safe manner

Must be able to work in an environment with food allergens

Must be willing to work extended hours when needed

The above description covers the principal duties and responsibilities of the job. The description shall not, however, be construed as a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental, or similar duties which may be required from day-to-day.

Finlays Americas is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship