Job Information
Spindrift Lab Manager - R&D in Newtonville, Massachusetts
Spindrift is one of the fastest-growing brands in beverage today. In a rapidly expanding sparkling water market, we are the first sparkling water made with real ingredients with an unmistakable, delicious taste that only real ingredients can deliver.
The Lab Manager – R&D will play an integral role in supporting the Spindrift innovation team through the management and operation of our new in-house R&D lab space. Our team is fast-paced, fun-loving, and fanatical about our delicious product; you’ll work with us to continue to grow our product offerings that highlight our key points of difference and premium approach to beverage. The Lab Manager – R&D will report to the Associate Director of Innovation, with day-to-day responsibilities that include managing a robust product development pipeline that includes rapid concept development, existing formula optimization, and validation of new ingredients and suppliers.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Co-create and manage our new R&D lab space at Spindrift HQ and devise methodology for rapid prototype creation and evaluation.
Maintain an inventory of raw materials needed for sample development, and work with the Innovation sourcing team to identify and secure materials needed for new initiatives and exploration.
Co-create and manage our internal prototype sampling program to support and enable sell-in of new flavors, formulas, and new beverage line concepts.
Develop our new internal process for batching, carbonating, filling, and pasteurizing sample can prototypes of new concept formulas
Implement a new internal process for evaluation by our innovation tasting panel, incorporating revisions to the formula based on their feedback.
Evaluate the shelf-life performance of our protype sample cans, and set our internal parameters for storage, shelf-life and handling of samples.
Maintain an inventory of prototype samples during active sell-in periods and support the sales team with any samples needed to present at customer meetings.
Display initiative and thought leadership as it relates to new ideas, ingredients, technologies and new methodology within the beverage space.
Manage our internal suite of concept formulas, including documenting every formula iteration and relevant feedback/tasting notes that coincide with each round of development.
Create a batch sheet template format, and ensure new developments fall within established specification parameters for COGs, juice %, calories, pH, brix, TA, etc.
Maintain lab environment by keeping equipment calibration records up to date, managing an inventory of lab consumables, and ensuring a clean and safe workspace.
Proactively seek opportunities to improve existing formulas in our portfolio, assist in any reformulation efforts triggered by supply chain or raw material constraints, sales performance, or internal/external tasting feedback.
Lead the final formula scale-up process, including finalizing batch sheets for production, establishing target specs, and creating nutritional fact panel and ingredient statements.
Manage all 3rd party lab relationships that relate to testing or regulatory compliance needs for R&D.
Requirements
WHO YOU ARE:
Enthusiastic professional with experience managing an internal R&D process, preferably in the Food & Beverage space.
Experience managing an R&D lab, ability to maintain a sterile and food-safe work environment to develop samples for consumption.
Superior tasting palate, and experience in sensory evaluation.
Strong understanding of beverage development and formulation, familiarity with common beverage lab test procedures for product specs (e.g., pH, brix).
Maintains highest standards for quality and technical integrity to deliver flawless, premium product experiences.
Familiarity with GLP (good lab practices) and food safety certification - HACCP is a plus.
Strong interpersonal skills with ability to identify and collaborate cross functionally internally and with customers, fans & influencers.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience and Skills
Bachelor’s Degree required – food science, technical or scientific degree preferred.
Minimum of 7-10+ years of relevant work experience.
Minimum 3-5+ years managing an internal R&D product development process.
Relevant laboratory experience, with a deep understanding of lab best-practices and protocols.
Fluent in Microsoft Office Suite.
Benefits
The salary range for this position is $115,000 to $140,000 and is dependent upon the candidate’s experience prior to joining Spindrift. In addition, we offer the following compensation and benefits:
Short-term and long-term incentive programs specific to level and department.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with a current employer contribution rate of 80% towards monthly premiums, regardless of plan type selected.
Company-paid life insurance, and a 401k retirement savings plan.
Monthly cell phone allowance.
Annual allowances for personal use of Spindrift product, health and wellness, professional development, and social justice education.
A host of voluntary benefits including but not limited to additional life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance, pet insurance, commuter benefits, etc.
In addition to any paid leave benefits required by regulation, the company provides paid parental leave, vacation, sick, personal, bereavement, community service, and holiday time.