R&D Lab Manager - Core Business

About Spindrift

At Spindrift, we’re making every beverage a positive force of nature. Founded in 2010, we believe the best flavors come directly from nature. That’s why every Spindrift beverage is made the hard way—with real squeezed fruit, never from concentrate. From sourcing the best-tasting fruit globally to maintaining a carefully honed manufacturing process, we believe in doing things the hard way, the intentional way, the better albeit more challenging way, the right way – because, in the end, it's worth it. Spindrift® sparkling water is available nationwide, and Spindrift Spiked® and Spindrift SODA is available in select markets. We are also a proud member of 1% for the planet, donating to environmental causes. Spindrift is headquartered in Newton, MA.

The R&D Lab Manager Role

The R&D Lab Manager – Core Business will play an integral role in supporting the core Spindrift team in our in-house R&D lab space. Our team is fast-paced, fun-loving, and fanatical about our delicious product; you’ll work with us to continue to grow our product offerings that highlight our key points of difference and premium approach to beverage. The R&D Lab Manager – Core Business will report into the Director of New Business Development, with day-to-day responsibilities that include managing a robust product development pipeline that includes rapid concept development, existing formula optimization, and validation of new ingredients and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Co-manage lab space with R&D Lab Manager - Ventures
• Oversee all new product development and new ingredient validation for our core sparkling water and soda lines.
• Maintain an inventory of raw materials needed for sample development, and work with the sourcing team to identify and secure materials needed for new initiatives.
• Co-create and manage our internal prototype sampling program to support and enable sell-in of new products
• Optimize our internal process for batching, carbonating, filling, and pasteurizing sample can prototype of new formulas
• Implement a new internal process for evaluating with our innovation tasting panel, and revising the formula based on sensory feedback. 
• Evaluate the shelf-life performance of our protype sample cans, and set our internal parameters for storage, shelf-life and handling of samples.
• Maintain an inventory of prototype samples during active sell-in periods and support the sales team and with any samples needed to present at customer meetings.
• Demonstrate initiative and thought leadership in exploring new ideas, ingredients, and methodologies
• Manage our internal suite of concept formulas for all core business initiatives, including every formula iteration and feedback/tasting notes that coincide with each round of development
• Ensure new developments fall within established specification parameters for COGs, juice %, calories, pH, brix, TA, etc.
• Co-maintain R&D lab environment, including equipment calibration records, maintaining an inventory of lab consumables, and ensuring a clean and safe working environment.
• Proactively seek opportunities to improve existing formulas in our portfolio, assist in any reformulation efforts triggered by supply chain or raw material constraints, sales performance, or internal/external tasting feedback.
• Lead the final formula scale-up process, including finalizing batch sheets for production, establishing target specs, creation of nutritional fact panel and ingredient statements.  
• Manage all 3rd party lab relationships that relate to testing or regulatory compliance needs for R&D

Who You Are·      

• Enthusiastic professional with experience managing an internal R&D process, preferably in the Food & Beverage space.

• Experience managing an R&D lab, ability to maintain a sterile and food-safe work environment to develop samples for consumption.
• Superior tasting palate, and experience in sensory evaluation.
• Strong understanding of beverage development and formulation, familiarity with common beverage lab test procedures for product specs (pH, brix)
• Highest standards for quality and technical integrity to deliver flawless, premium product experiences
• Familiarity with GLP (good lab practices), food safety certification, HACCP is a plus

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required – food science, technical or scientific degree preferred
• Minimum of 7-10+ years of relevant work experience
• Minimum of 3-5+ years managing an internal R&D product development process
• Relevant laboratory experience, with a deep understanding of lab best-practices and protocols
• Fluent in Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to identify and collaborate cross functionally internally and with customers, fans & influencers 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment 

The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $130,000 and is dependent upon the candidate’s experience prior to joining Spindrift. In addition, we offer the following compensation and benefits:

• Short-term incentive programs specific to level and department.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with a current employer contribution rate of 80% towards monthly premiums, regardless of plan type selected.
• Company-paid life insurance, and a 401k retirement savings plan with a company match.
• Monthly cell phone allowance.
• Annual allowances for personal use of Spindrift product, health and wellness, professional development, and social justice education.
• A host of voluntary benefits including but not limited to additional life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance.
• In addition to any paid leave benefits required by regulation, the company provides paid parental leave, vacation, sick, personal, bereavement, community service, and holiday time.