Lab Manager - R&D

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.

1. Develop our new internal process for batching, carbonating, filling, and pasteurizing sample can prototypes of new concept formulas
2. Implement a new internal process for evaluation by our innovation tasting panel, incorporating revisions to the formula based on their feedback.
3. Evaluate the shelf-life performance of our protype sample cans, and set our internal parameters for storage, shelf-life and handling of samples.
4. 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.