<p>About Spindrift</p> <p>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.</p> <p>The R&D Lab Manager Role</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Co-manage lab space with R&D Lab Manager - Ventures </li><li>Oversee all new product development and new ingredient validation for our core sparkling water and soda lines. </li><li>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. </li><li>Co-create and manage our internal prototype sampling program to support and enable sell-in of new products </li><li>Optimize our internal process for batching, carbonating, filling, and pasteurizing sample can prototype of new formulas </li><li>Implement a new internal process for evaluating with our innovation tasting panel, and revising the formula based on sensory feedback. </li><li>Evaluate the shelf-life performance of our protype sample cans, and set our internal parameters for storage, shelf-life and handling of samples. </li><li>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. </li><li>Demonstrate initiative and thought leadership in exploring new ideas, ingredients, and methodologies </li><li>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 </li><li>Ensure new developments fall within established specification parameters for COGs, juice %, calories, pH, brix, TA, etc. </li><li>Co-maintain R&D lab environment, including equipment calibration records, maintaining an inventory of lab consumables, and ensuring a clean and safe working environment. </li><li>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. </li><li>Lead the final formula scale-up process, including finalizing batch sheets for production, establishing target specs, creation of nutritional fact panel and ingredient statements. </li><li>Manage all 3rd party lab relationships that relate to testing or regulatory compliance needs for R&D </li></ul> <p>Who You Are·</p> <ul> <li>Enthusiastic professional with experience managing an internal R&D process, preferably in the Food & Beverage space. </li><li>Experience managing an R&D lab, ability to maintain a sterile and food-safe work environment to develop samples for consumption. </li><li>Superior tasting palate, and experience in sensory evaluation. </li><li>Strong understanding of beverage development and formulation, familiarity with common beverage lab test procedures for product specs (pH, brix) </li><li>Highest standards for quality and technical integrity to deliver flawless, premium product experiences </li><li>Familiarity with GLP (good lab practices), food safety certification, HACCP is a plus </li></ul>