R&D Manager

Description

Position Summary: We are seeking an R&D Manager to lead product innovation and development within an international nuts company, driving the innovation strategy and coordinating end-to-end projects. Key Highlights: 1. Lead the product innovation strategy 2. Coordinate R&D projects from idea to industrialization 3. Direct impact on innovation, business, and development of new categories **R&D Manager \| Business Development \| Product Development** **Calconut**, an international company specializing in the trade of nuts, dried fruit, and food ingredients, is hiring an **R&D Manager** to lead the innovation and product development area from our offices in Mutxamel (Alicante). You will join a dynamic, international, and continuously growing environment, with presence in over 77 countries and projects targeting global markets, the food industry, and private-label brands. **The Challenge** Lead the product innovation strategy by identifying value opportunities and connecting market trends, technical capabilities, and business vision. You will coordinate end\-to\-end R&D projects, ensuring their technical feasibility, impact, and alignment with business objectives. **Responsibilities** * Drive development of new products and innovative solutions, coordinating projects, people, and processes from idea to industrialization. * Lead innovation and product development projects from inception to completion. * Analyze market, ingredient, and consumer behavior trends in *retail* and the *food industry*. * Conduct technical benchmarking of competitors' products using tools and sources such as Mintel GNPD, Nielsen, IRI, Innova Market Insights, Amazon, and supermarkets. * Evaluate technical and economic feasibility of new developments (ingredients, processes, costs, and margins). * Design and develop new formulations and product improvements. * Coordinate experimental testing in laboratory and pilot plant settings. * Participate in tastings, sensory evaluations, and organoleptic analyses of products. * Coordinate industrialization and transfer of developments to production environments together with Production and Quality teams. * Validate manufacturing processes and optimize performance and efficiency. * Participate in innovation, procurement, and business committees, contributing technical and strategic insights. * Prepare technical reports and development documentation. * Lead the R&D team and our Phase II Snack Tech Factory environment for the nut\&me brand: this includes coordinating priorities, workloads, and talent development. * Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and results orientation. **Required Profile** * Degree in Food Science and Technology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or related field. * Minimum 5 years’ experience in the food industry and R&D. * Knowledge of product development, industrial processes, and sensory evaluation. * Experience working with food ingredients, formulation, and industrial validation. * Valuable knowledge of *Lean Manufacturing*, food labeling, and Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011\. * Proficiency with tools such as Excel, Power BI, and ERP systems. * Familiarity with food safety standards and regulations such as IFS and BRC. * Intermediate\-to\-advanced level of English for an international environment. **What Sets This Project Apart** * International project with direct impact on innovation, business, and development of new product categories. * Strategic position with cross-functional interaction across procurement, sales, quality, production, and management. * Environment where applied innovation, continuous improvement, and execution speed make the difference. * Active participation in developing food solutions within a constantly evolving global industry. * Join one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies in the nuts and ingredients sector. * *Wellness* Culture: daily healthy menu at the office, health insurance, training plan, option to join our *Stock Options* program for star employees, and a people-first environment. Reduced working hours on Fridays and during summer. Flexible start/end times, support for your health including gym subsidies, massage sessions, and weekly *Break\&Stretch* sessions on our *rooftop*. * Position offering real growth, autonomy, and tangible impact. * Salary band based on experience and professional track record. If you seek stability without innovation, this is not your project. If you aim to build products, lead high-impact projects, and join a demanding environment where innovation and business go hand-in-hand, we want to talk. *Note:* *The selection and hiring process guarantees equal opportunity for all candidates, without distinction based on race, ethnicity, ideology, religion, sex, nationality, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, functional diversity status, or any other characteristic protected by law.*