When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We’re not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It’s in our DNA. We’ve turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the world’s largest meat snack business, that’s still proudly family owned and operated.

We’re a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

At Jack Link’s Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Jack Link’s Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, MATADOR Jerky, BiFi and Peperami.

The Senior R&D Manager is responsible for leading the development and optimization of new and existing food products, processes, and technologies. This role ensures that all projects align with company objectives for innovation, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. The Senior R&D Manager collaborates cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain to deliver commercially viable solutions that meet consumer needs and business goals.  This individual is also responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring standard work, process improvements and mentoring / coaching food scientists.

DIRECT REPORTS

• Product Developer (2)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Job Functions)

The duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

• Product Development: (30%)
  • Lead the creation, formulation, and testing of new food products from concept to commercialization.
  • Optimize existing product lines for cost, quality, and sustainability.
• Project Management: (30%)
  • Manage multiple R&D projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of formulations, processes, and specifications.
• Team Development: (30%)
  • Mentor and develop R&D staff, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Strategic planning as a member of the R&D leadership team (10%)
  • Auditing and aligning on the key needs for the R&D team to deliver on the needs of the business

The above areas include:

• Technical Leadership:
  • Provide technical expertise in food science, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
  • Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Partner with Marketing to translate consumer insights into product concepts.
  • Work with Operations and Supply Chain to ensure scalability and manufacturability.
• Compliance & Quality:
  • Ensure all products meet food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company quality guidelines.

Support labeling, nutritional analysis, and allergen management
 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an Team Member to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or more up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant/office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet/slippery floors. However, the vast amount of work is conducted in a climate-controlled office. Travel may be required.

Required Education:

• Master of Science in Food Technology, Food Science or related field or equivalent

Required Experience:

• 8 + years of experience leading, developing and coaching a team
• Demonstrated managing people (direct report)
• Demonstrated experience with meat development
• Experience with a variety of R&D Management tools including hardware, software.
• Working knowledge of food manufacturing at scale
• Demonstrated understanding of R&D experiment designs
• Experience with R&D data platforms, digital tools, and emerging technologies
• Proven track record of leading innovation initiatives and digital transformation within R&D environments
• Budget experience

Preferred:

• Retail (CPG) product development experience

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES           

• Self-motivated, hands-on and results oriented
• Must be able to collaborate effectively with various manufacturing, marketing, sales and other functional teams
• Must be flexible and able to work well in a team environment
• Comfortable in a fast paced, changing environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; must work effectively with all levels of management and Team Members
• Must demonstrate effective leadership, problem solving, project management, presentation, and employee motivational skills.
• Proficient in Internet navigation, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

The salary range for this role is $150,000 – $180,000(Annually).  Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.