R&D Manager at Apex Systems, Inc. in Fullerton, CA

Job#: 2058444

Job Description:

Join Our Innovative Team as an R&D Manager!

SUMMARY

Are you passionate about driving innovation in the food decorating and coloring market? As an R&D Manager youll lead groundbreaking research activities to formulate new products, enhance existing ones, and conduct lab tests. Youll collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain teams, as well as our valued customers and suppliers. Your technical expertise in formulation, process optimization, and documentation will be crucial in pushing the boundaries of whats possible in our industry.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Innovate and Create: Develop cutting-edge formulations and bench-top samples to meet customer needs and spearhead internal initiatives.
Lead Projects: Oversee multiple R&D projects from concept to commercialization, ensuring all timelines, milestones, and deliverables are met.
Scale Up: Lead the scale-up of formulations from bench-top to production.
Document and Plan: Maintain detailed documentation of all research projects and follow test protocols meticulously.
Stay Ahead: Proactively investigate new ingredients, stay current with consumer trends, and analyze competitive products.
Enhance Products: Improve products by matching color, texture, and flavor profiles while considering cost, label impact, and manufacturing capabilities.
Technical Support: Develop technical specifications, formulation sheets, and manufacturing parameters. Assist Sales with customer technical issues and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Engage with Industry: Attend local trade shows and meet with suppliers to stay updated on the latest ingredient and process technologies.
Adhere to Standards: Perform all tasks assigned by the supervisor while following all company, safety, and quality policies and procedures.
Be Reliable: Maintain regular attendance at work.

QUALIFICATIONS

Educational Background: B.S. or M.S. in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field with relevant work experience.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years in product development within the food manufacturing industry.
Project Management: Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage resources effectively.
Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge in formulating, ingredients, food chemistry, and the decorating industry. Experience with icings, piping gels, bakery mixes, and food coloring solutions is strongly preferred.
Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 (food) and knowledge of food safety regulations, quality assurance standards, and industry best practices.
Problem-Solving: Creative problem-solving abilities and a passion for driving new product development.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Project Management: Strong project management skills.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Self-Motivation: Highly motivated to develop new offerings.
Technical Skills: Ability to operate laboratory equipment and learn new software systems.
Organization: Highly organized and detail-oriented.
Customer Focus: Customer-centric approach.
Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving and logical reasoning skills.
Physical Requirements: Ability to work near allergens (egg, soy, milk, nuts), stand for up to 8 hours a day, and lift up to 50 lbs as needed.
Authorization: Authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at [email protected] or 844-463-6178.

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Apex team member can provide.