The Company: Medici Brands is the parent company of David, Epogee, HallPass and several emerging brands launching in the near future. Medici Brands is led by CEO Peter Rahal, Co-founder and former CEO of RXBAR, and is focused on building brands that break the tradeoffs between taste and nutrition that have classically existed. Role Overview: Reporting to the Director of R&D, we are looking for a Senior Manager, R&D to lead and be responsible for a portfolio of SKUs end-to-end - from concept through pilot, scale-up, and post-launch iteration - while managing a small bench team of Food Scientists. This is a working-manager role. You'll still be hands-on at the bench for the hardest formulation problems, and you'll be responsible for prioritization, mentorship, and cross-functional delivery across your product line. Formulation & Technical Ownership • Lead formulation, testing, and iteration across an assigned product line, applying deep working knowledge of proteins, high-intensity and rare sweeteners, fibers, binding systems, and shelf-life kinetics. • Diagnose and resolve finished-product failures - texture drift, binding failure, flavor instability, processing defects - with speed and technical precision. • Own the technical relationship with co-manufacturers during scale-up and ongoing production, including trial planning and troubleshooting on the plant floor. Team Leadership • Manage and develop 2–3 Food Scientists / Senior Food Scientists - setting priorities, reviewing experimental design, and coaching on technical rigor. • Build project ownership models so each scientist can run a workstream independently while staying aligned to portfolio priorities. • Instill a culture of creativity and experimentation on the team — carving out space for scientists to explore unconventional ingredient pairings and formats, and championing bold ideas even when they carry technical risk. Innovation Pipeline • Stay current on ingredient technologies and processing methods relevant to high-protein systems - precision fermentation proteins, novel sweeteners, encapsulation — and bring forward recommendations for the innovation roadmap. • Lead strategic research initiatives that look 12–24 months ahead of the current portfolio, scoping exploratory workstreams around emerging ingredient technologies and translating early-stage findings into actionable innovation bets. • Define and prioritize the R&D research agenda in partnership with the R&D leadership team, balancing near-term product fixes against longer-horizon platform-building work. • Build and maintain relationships with ingredient suppliers, co-manufacturers, and academic/industry contacts to keep the team plugged into where science is heading, not just where it's been. Cross-Functional & Regulatory • Partner with Regulatory/QA to ensure ingredient selection, labeling, and claims are compliant with FDA nutrition labeling requirements and emerging sweetener/fat-replacer guidance. • Work with Supply Chain and Procurement on ingredient sourcing, cost targets, and supplier qualification. Requirements • 10+ years of experience in food science, R&D, or product development within food or CPG, including 4+ years directly managing scientists. • Deep hands-on formulation experience in high-protein systems (bars, dairy/frozen, or confection). • Track record taking products from bench through commercial scale with a co-manufacturer. • Comfort operating with startup pace and ambiguity - this is not a role for someone who needs a mature, fully built-out process. Benefits • Full-time, in-person role • Travel expectations up to 25% (manufacturing, suppliers, etc.) • Salary: $170,000 – $200,000 per year, inclusive of cash bonus based on attainment of company targets • Company equity opportunity • 100% covered Health, Vision, Dental Insurance • 401(k) with 4% match • Additional perks, such as covered gym expenses • Substantial and required PTO