Research & Development Program Manager

ABOUT US AT KINDER'S:

We are Seeking:

The R&D Program Manager will report to the VP of R&D and will be a key leader in ensuring our innovation engine runs efficiently and effectively. This is a high-impact role responsible for managing the seamless execution of multiple, complex R&D projects from concept to commercialization. You will be the central hub of our product development process, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to our quality standards by managing both internal teams and external development partners. 

Key Responsibilities of This Role Include:

Project Organization & Execution Management:

• Manage a portfolio of diverse R&D projects, with a focus on strategic projects focused on development of our most important new product lines, ensuring clear timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• o Implement and oversee our project management process to track project progress, identify risks, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• o Work with R&D team to translate complex technical challenges into actionable project tasks and milestones, ensuring clear communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• o Identify and proactively address project risks or delays with proposed mitigation strategies.
• o Escalate roadblocks and collaborate with stakeholders to re-align on priorities and trade-offs.

External Partner Management:

• Work with R&D team to identify, onboard, and manage third-party development agencies, co-packers, and ingredient suppliers including, where applicable, coordinating assessment of technical and other capabilities required to meet key project requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external partners, facilitating clear communication, managing contracts including driving key deliverables, and ensuring attainment of project requirements and quality standards.
• Collaborate with external resources to ensure seamless integration with internal R&D, Quality, and Operations teams.

Documentation & Systems:

• Maintain high-quality records of project data, test results, learnings, development notes and other key project information.
• Improve processes and systems to drive visibility and consistency of R&D execution and provide efficient, effective reporting to R&D stakeholders and senior leadership.  
• Coordinate and ensure consistent use of company project management systems (e.g. Wrike) and support the evaluation, selection, and implementation of other tools for improving R&D efficiency and effectiveness.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Coordination:

• Partner closely with cross-functional leaders (e.g., Marketing, Sales, Operations, Quality, and Finance) to drive project alignment and ensure successful delivery of key programs.
• Facilitate project team meetings, create and present status reports, and provide clear communication on project risks and opportunities to senior leadership.
• Act as a champion for the R&D process, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.  

Skills + Experience Needed for this Role:

• 8-10+ years of experience in R&D and / or product development program or project management, preferably in the CPG, food, beverage, or a similar consumer-oriented industry. 
• Proven experience managing a portfolio of complex technical projects using a robust project / product lifecycle process. 
• Demonstrated experience managing external partners, including codevelopers, and ingredient suppliers. 
• Strong technical acumen with an understanding of food science, formulation, and commercialization processes. 
• Financially literate with the ability to provide input into project budgets and understand the financial implications of development decisions. 
• Bachelor's degree; a degree in a technical field (e.g., Food Science, Engineering) is a strong plus.  
• PMP certification or other project management training a strong plus. 

Personal Attributes for Success:

• Growth mindset with an excitement to learn (and teach). 
• Passionate people-lover excited by the opportunity to build strong relationships with teammates and consumers. 
• Low ego with a strong sense of humility. 
• Thrive in a dynamic, lean, and agile environment. 
• Collaborative mindset with an ability to find creative solutions. 
• Self-starter who takes initiative and is willing to speak their mind. 
• Excited to be part of a fast-moving team with the ability to be a leader and a follower where required.  
• Enjoy making decisions and finding ways to say ‘yes’ as often as possible to impactful and important priorities. 

The expected starting salary range for this role is $120,000- $133,000 per year. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance and business needs.