R&D & Commercialization Manager

R&D & Commercialization Manager

Lead Innovation. Bring Products to Life. Shape the Future of Food.

Are you passionate about transforming innovative concepts into commercially successful products? We're seeking an R&D & Commercialization Manager to lead the development, scale-up, and launch of innovative food and beverage products across a diverse portfolio including dairy, non-dairy, beverages, aerosols, frozen novelties, and emerging product categories. In this highly visible leadership role, you'll serve as the bridge between product innovation and manufacturing execution, working cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, and customers to bring new products from idea to marketplace. If you thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where you can influence strategy, drive innovation, and mentor technical talent, we'd love to hear from you.
## What You'll Do
Lead new product development and commercialization projects from concept through successful market launch. Create and optimize formulations, manufacturing processes, specifications, and commercialization strategies. Plan and execute pilot plant trials, process validations, plant startups, and first production runs. Partner closely with Operations and Engineering to ensure products are scalable, manufacturable, and cost-effective. Troubleshoot formulation, processing, shelf-life, and product performance challenges. Serve as a technical expert during customer meetings, presentations, and innovation discussions. Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, efficiency, and manufacturing performance. Investigate product quality concerns and consumer complaints, implementing effective corrective actions. Ensure products and processes meet all FDA, SQF, labeling, and food safety requirements. Mentor and develop junior R&D team members while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Manage multiple commercialization projects simultaneously while delivering against aggressive timelines and business objectives.
## What We're Looking For

### Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. 5+ years of progressive experience in food and beverage product development and commercialization. Demonstrated success leading products from concept through full-scale manufacturing. Hands-on experience supporting pilot plant trials, scale-up activities, process validation, and commercialization efforts. Strong understanding of food manufacturing operations and commercialization best practices. Experience collaborating with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Procurement teams. Exceptional project management and organizational skills. Strong communication skills with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive projects to completion.
### Preferred Qualifications
Experience within dairy, yogurt, coffee, non-dairy beverages, frozen novelties, aerosol products, or related food categories. Knowledge of FDA regulations, SQF standards, GMPs, food safety programs, and product labeling requirements. Experience supporting customer-facing technical initiatives and presentations. Experience in process optimization, continuous improvement, and root cause analysis.
## Why Join Us?
Opportunity to lead high-impact innovation projects from concept through commercialization. Work on a diverse portfolio of products across multiple food and beverage categories. Collaborate with a highly engaged cross-functional team in a culture that values creativity, continuous improvement, and technical excellence. Influence product strategy and help bring groundbreaking products to market. Mentor and develop the next generation of R&D professionals. Be part of an organization known for innovation and redefining possibilities in private-label food manufacturing.
## Work Environment
This position combines office, laboratory, and manufacturing floor responsibilities. You'll spend time directly supporting product trials, commercialization efforts, process improvements, and startup activities in a dynamic food manufacturing environment. Safety, quality, innovation, and teamwork are at the center of everything we do.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Burlington, NC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $120000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Why Join Alamance Foods? What We Offer
Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits (eligible the 1st of the month following 60 days)
Life Insurance
Dependent Care Spending Account (DCSA)
Paid Time Off (PTO): 12 days annually
Paid Holidays
Career Growth and Advancement Opportunities
Professional Development and Mentorship
Supportive and Collaborative Team Environment
Employee-focused culture with long-term stability
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Burlington,NC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.