R&D Project Manager

Description

The R&D Project Manager sits within a newly formed commercialization and innovation group and will serve as the backbone of our product launch and renovation efforts. The R&D Project Manager will lead complex, cross-functional initiatives, partner closely with commercial, operations, procurement, and external suppliers, and ensure projects move efficiently from concept through first production. This is a highly visible role offering the opportunity to make a meaningful and measurable impact on the business.

Role and Responsibilities:

Project & Commercialization Leadership

· Lead the end-to-end commercialization of innovation, customization, renovation, and

optimization projects.

· Own and manage detailed project plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables, ensuring

clear accountability across project owners and contributors.

· Anticipate risks, develop mitigation and contingency plans, track KPIs, and ensure projects

are delivered on time and within scope.

· Simultaneously manage multiple complex projects while maintaining strong prioritization

and execution discipline.

· Lead and facilitate cross-functional project meetings to drive alignment, resolve issues,

and accelerate decision-making.

Strategic & Technical Partnership

· Develop a deep understanding of Kilcoy’s innovation pipeline, operational capabilities,

and commercial priorities to act as a true thought partner—not just a timeline manager.

· Clearly communicate project status, risks, and trade-offs to both technical and non-

technical stakeholders.

· Translate technical results into clear, actionable recommendations to support business

decisions.

Packaging Development & Supplier Management

· Lead packaging development initiatives, heavily leveraging supplier expertise and

recommendations.

· Manage packaging suppliers in close partnership with Procurement. 

· Validate all new packaging solutions against Kilcoy’s manufacturing and operational capabilities. 

· Manage and execute packaging workflows, requests, and inquiries within the broader commercialization process 

· Drive packaging cost-savings initiatives aligned with company strategy, financial targets, and KPIs. 

Scale-Up & Launch Execution 

· Own the successful execution of pilot trials, scale-ups, post-scale-up activities, and first production runs for new product launches. · Ensure readiness across R&D, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain for seamless market introduction. 

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications and Education Requirements: 

· Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree in Food Science or MBA preferred. 

· 3–5 years of experience in food product development. 

· Minimum of 5 years of project management experience, preferably in a CPG or food manufacturing environment. 

· Strong experience working within a Stage-Gate or similar structured innovation process. 

· CPG experience strongly preferred. 

· Excellent communication, influencing, prioritization, problem-solving, and project management skills. 

Key Competencies: 

· Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to connect project details to the broader business strategy. 

· Proven ability to lead, influence, coach, and motivate cross-functional teams without direct authority. 

· Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and challenge work sequencing when necessary. 

· Calm, level-headed, and effective in fast-paced, ambiguous environments. 

· Driven, resourceful, curious, and quick to learn. 

The work environment alternates between a cold production setting with concrete floors and an office. This position requires the team member to: 

· Sit for an extended period of time at a computer.

· Stand and walk through the production floor and endure cold temperatures (38 degrees) 

· Must occasionally lift/move up to 40 lbs. 

Food Safety Kilcoy has adopted the SQF System for food safety management and is under continuous USDA meat & poultry jurisdiction. All Kilcoy team members are responsible for food safety and quality requirements. Team members will be regularly informed, trained, and held accountable for managing food safety and regulatory expectations within their work areas. Team members should notify their department management about any food safety issues or concerns to be adequately addressed. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.