R&D Manager

Magic Spoon reimagines your childhood breakfasts favorites with more protein, less sugar, and more fun. Since launching in 2019, we've brought our unbelievably tasty cereal to over one million customers online and over 20,000 stores nationwide. With our recently launched Protein Oatmeal and Protein Granola we're continuing to find new ways to make mornings magical - all made possible by our incredible team.

The Research and Development Manager will lead and manage all aspects of the technical pipeline from concept through commercialization, ensuring proper execution. This role will report into our Senior Director, Product and will oversee the work and development of a Food Scientist, and their direct report (Associate Food Scientist).

This is a full time, in-person/hybrid role (Tues, Weds, Thurs in office) based in Tribeca, NYC, with additional days in office as needed.

In this role you will:

- Support innovation and renovation pipeline by overseeing scientist’s lab work, scale up trials, factory 1st productions, and post launch updates
- Stay abreast of competitive products to ensure we stay competitive, review gaps in market, and stay on top of customer insights and trends
- Evaluate ideas for new innovation using industry knowledge, external partners, rapid prototyping, etc.
- Manage team of food scientist’s workload and professional development
- Collaborates cross functionally to ensure alignment of product development goals
- Create in-budget and in-specification products that meet consumer expectations
- Work internally and externally to develop and execute against product testing plans
- Ensure proper oversight of nutrition fact panel generation and ingredient declarations for all new and updated products
- Travel to factories to support start up of new products and equipment as needed
- Problem solve and offer solutions to technical and business issues as they arise based on knowledge of manufacturing and formulation
- Support operations team in cost savings and efficiency measures from scoping to first production
- Identify and action opportunities for process improvements and efficiencies within the product department

Requirements

- 6-10+ years of product development experience in food, CPG, or related industries
- Proven experience leading formulation, scale‑up, and commercialization with co‑manufacturers
- Strong knowledge of food science, ingredient functionality, processing, and regulatory requirements
- Experience managing and developing technical teams

- Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, cost drivers, and quality systems
- Experience with PLM systems, formulation tools (e.g., Genesis), and supplier documentation
- Ability to balance consumer expectations, cost targets, and operational realities
- Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and technical complexity

- Highly collaborative, with the ability to influence cross‑functionally
- Organized, proactive, and comfortable owning multiple work streams at once
- Hands‑on leader who can switch between strategic thinking and tactical execution
- Travel required for the role ~20-50%

Benefits

- Competitive salary & equity
- Bonus eligibility
- 100% covered Health, Vision, Dental insurance (50% covered for dependents)
- 401(k) with company match
- Generous parental leave
- Flexible vacation
- Paid company holidays
- Paid sick leave
- Catered lunch in office
- Dog friendly office
- Unlimited cereal ✨ 🥣

What we value:

Hold on to the Dream 💫 Adult life shouldn’t be boring, prioritize your work/life balance, we can build a world-class company and have fun doing it

Don’t miss the bowl for the loops 🙌 We’re all working towards the same big goals, prioritize collaboration over ego, politics, or possessiveness

Be a Fruit Loop in a world of Cheerios 🌈 Bring your whole, unique self to work, celebrate and care for everyone

Pour your own milk…and don’t be afraid to spill a little 🥛 We trust you, use your best judgment to make decisions. Mistakes are inevitable, let’s learn from them!

No Added Sugar 🥄 We skip the sugarcoating - truth fuels growth, feedback builds muscles, and honest conversation is part of a balanced breakfast.

Magic Spoon is committed to building a company that not only represents, but includes, individuals across different backgrounds and perspectives. However, all candidates must be in possession of identification proving authorization to work in the United States, as we are not able to offer sponsorship of Work Visas. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Magic Spoon intends to offer competitive base pay within the stated range, dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications. To further compensate and recognize our employees for their work, our total compensation package includes equity and a robust benefits package. The anticipated annual base salary range for this role is $125,000-$150,000.