R&D Manager - Nutritional Innovation

APPLICANTS PLEASE NOTE:

This is a full-time W2 employment opportunity with 360 Labs-- https://360labs.com/

It requires an onsite presences at our facility, located in Monterey Park, CA. Only candidates currently based within commuting distance of Monterey Park, CA will be considered.

Widger Talent is a recruitment agency managing the search.

About 360 Labs / Sencha Naturals

360 Labs is a purpose-driven B Corporation and the creative force behind Sencha Naturals, a matcha-inspired wellness brand known for functional teas, green tea mints, drink powders, and superfood blends. We formulate, develop, and manufacture everything in-house giving us full control over product quality, sustainability, and innovation.

Job Summary

We re looking for an experienced and technically savvy R&D Manager with a deep understanding of food ingredients especially functional powders used in beverages and nutraceuticals. You ll lead our R&D and Quality teams in developing new products, optimizing formulations, and ensuring technical excellence across our growing product line. This role requires experience with food ingredient ecosystems, supplier relationships, and analytical thinking to drive innovation from concept to commercialization.

Key Responsibilities:

New Product Development & Innovation

• Lead the full product development cycle for powdered food and beverage products from benchtop formulation through scale-up and launch
• Create and refine functional ingredient blends that meet clean-label, sensory, and nutritional targets
• Conduct sensory evaluations, stability testing, and iterative experiments to optimize product performance
• Translate consumer insights, market trends, and internal vision into commercially viable formulas

Ingredient Research & Supplier Relationships

• Source, evaluate, and manage relationships with ingredient suppliers
• Investigate emerging ingredients and conduct application testing to validate use
• Stay up to date on food ingredient innovations, sustainability practices, and regulatory implications

Process & Scale-Up Collaboration

• Work closely with Production and Engineering teams to ensure successful scale-up and transfer from R&D to manufacturing
• Support pilot runs, troubleshoot technical issues, and document reproducible processes for commercial use

Technical Documentation & Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain accurate formulation records, technical specs, and SOPs
• Ensure all products comply with FDA, Prop 65, USDA Organic, and other relevant standards
• Partner with QA/QC teams to set and uphold quality and testing protocols

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Use data to guide formulation adjustments, troubleshoot issues, and track product stability
• Prepare technical reports, product specifications, and supplier evaluations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Marketing, Sales, and Purchasing to support product launch strategies, ingredient sourcing, and supply chain planning
• Communicate technical details and timelines to non-technical stakeholders clearly and effectively

Qualifications & Skills:

Required:

• Bachelor s or Master s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in food or beverage product development, with a strong focus on powdered or functional ingredients
• Proven ability to manage ingredient vendors and build technical partnerships
• Working knowledge of MRP systems and manufacturing process documentation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong project management and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency in Excel and standard data analysis tools
• Comfortable in a dynamic, hands-on R&D environment
• Experience in the nutraceutical or functional food space