Job Description

Title: Research and Development Manager Location: On-site, East Boston, MA The Mission: This individual will lead the development of new products and optimization of existing products, from the initial concept process through to commercialization. This role is also responsible for researching potential market opportunities, identifying front-end innovation concepts, and leading the testing process throughout development to ensure product fit to market and consumer acceptance. Responsibilities: Market Research Monitor flavor, packaging, and consumer trends, sharing insights with Brand MKTG and incorporating findings into recipe and pack type development. Enable the organization to stay on top of and ahead of market trends. Lead sensory testing for all new recipes, ensuring innovations meet established taste benchmarks for launch. This includes ownership of the sensory tasting process, oversight and management of the sensory panel, and development and analysis of surveys to assess product viability. Develop and implement a sensory panel and tasting process to ensure unbiased and consistent recipe feedback that can be actioned against. Maintain a database of product testing data to enable ongoing tracking of market performance vs test results. Communicate new product sensory results to MKTG. Product Development Develop new liquids based on concept briefings provided by Brand MKTG. Ideate and create new liquid or product concepts to inspire potential line extensions or new brand ideas, founded in market trends. Lead a semi-annual or quarterly process for sharing these concepts with Brand. Ensure all developed liquids meet quality standards. Test and analyze current product offerings to optimize products for flavor (drinkability), cost, or quality. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in food science. 5+ years of experience in food and beverage R&D required - beverage and alcohol experience strongly preferred! Demonstrated expertise in new product ideation, formulation, and launch. Thorough understanding of consumer preferences, market trends, and operational considerations in a manufacturing environment. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, conducted after a conditional job offer has been made. Candidates will have the opportunity to review and respond to any findings. We aspire to build an enduring company with a world-class brand, known as an extraordinary place to work. It’s been 12 years since our first batches of unfiltered cider were fermented in the dorms of Bates College, Maine, and while we’ve gained 231 new teammates and 1.6 million cases of tasty drinks - with a growing assortment beyond cider - we remain 100% founder-owned. We’re a scrappy team that enjoys the hard work of creating a company because we get to work on fun things with people we like. We like to hire the way we like our cider, unfiltered. With the understanding that we can learn and grow from each other’s differences, we are proud to hire regardless of gender, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, or anything else that makes us who we are. #J-18808-Ljbffr Downeast Cider House

Job Tags

Similar Jobs