Senior Manager, R&D Food Scientist- Product Development

About Us:

Redbarn Pet Products was co-founded in 1996 by lifelong friends Jeff Baikie and Howie Bloxam, who met as 12-year-olds on a hockey rink in Canada. Inspired by a shared passion for wholesome, high-quality dog food, they built a company that has grown to a family of 500 members, offering over 200 foods, treats, and chews. As a family-owned business for over 25 years, Redbarn’s culture is rooted in the belief that they are more than just a team—they are a family.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive pay, based on experience
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation
• Life and AD&D Insurance

Position Summary

The Senior Manager, R&D – Product Development leads pet food and pet treat innovation by translating pet and pet parent needs into technical requirements and consumer-driven product solutions that deliver meaningful business impact. This role provides strategic technical leadership, manages R&D talent, and drives both innovation and renovation across key product platforms. The Senior Manager owns defined areas of technical expertise, advances technology and capability development, and partners cross-functionally to ensure successful commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply scientific principles and strategic thinking to lead the development of novel pet food and pet treat products.
• Lead formulation and product development efforts to address unmet consumer and pet needs.
• Serve as a technical authority for ingredients, processing, nutrition delivery, and formulation strategy.
• Identify, evaluate, and advance new ingredients, technologies, and innovation capabilities.
• Own all technical aspects of assigned projects and ensure delivery according to project plans and timelines.
• Develop, review, and approve formulation and finished product specifications.
• Oversee sensory, palatability, shelf-life, and stability testing programs.
• Author technical proposals, summaries, presentations, and reports.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and laboratory records.
• Lead cross-functional teams and manage projects of moderate to high complexity.
• Solve complex technical challenges and identify innovative solutions.
• Collaborate across functions to achieve shared business and innovation objectives.
• Serve as R&D Technical Lead on cross-functional initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has direct supervisory responsibility for one or more R&D team members, including performance management, coaching, and professional development.