Senior R&D Manager

Bulletproof is an omni-channel content driven consumer products company. Bulletproof’s Brand Purpose is focused on functional nutrition, here to prove that better is closer than you think. We re-imagine nutrition with science-backed and thoughtfully sourced ingredients to create quality additions to your daily wellness routine. Whether you’re supplementing your vitamin intake or fueling your workout, Bulletproof can help you discover what better feels like.

Bulletproof is a team of experienced professionals working to make high performance a daily reality for everyone on the planet. While our culture is casual and our workplace flexible, the team is passionate, customer driven, meaningfully connected, smart, and results focused.

Our customers know that our coffee, beverages, food, and supplements are the purest you can get anywhere, and you can expect to feel a difference in how you perform the first time you experience them. Environmentally conscious and ethically sourced products build a sustainable foundation for future generations to thrive. Bulletproof coffee has developed a cult following across the nation as a drink that provides sustained energy, while also programming your body to burn fat for energy.  In addition to providing convenient access to products through eCommerce, Bulletproof has also launched products in various nation-wide retailers (e.g. Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Kroger).

At Bulletproof 360, Inc. (“Bulletproof”), we welcome employees and candidates with different backgrounds and perspectives. We value and trust each other – including our differences – while remaining true to our mission of improving lives. We encourage a corporate culture of self-expression, asking employees to be authentic to themselves. Our team brings together their unique perspectives, experiences, and passions in the work they do because we believe diversity makes us stronger, together.

Bulletproof aims to create a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our employees at all levels of the workforce without regard to age, race, color, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity and/or expression, disability or any other laws. We strive to take steps in our recruiting practices by promoting diversity and fostering inclusion throughout our interview and hiring process, working toward the goal of a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Bulletproof is looking for a Senior R&D Manager with a strong nutrition and science background to help us build a world-class company and grow our knowledge base. The R&D Manager will play a key role in the routine activities of the Research and Development department, with the primary focus on the development of product concepts, profiles, formulas and, ultimately, finished goods. The successful candidate will identify, evaluate, and select ingredients and other technologies to recommend product profiles and formulas.  They will work cross-functionally to develop meaningfully differentiated, value-added products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead food and dietary supplement product and technology development on individually assigned innovation and renovation projects, ensuring optimal sensory, nutritional, financial, and operational attributes.
• Completion of all required due diligence to ensure product claims are met and validated on an on-going basis.
• Lead, manage and develop a team of 1 individual within R&D for delivery of assigned projects and programs, and serve as thought leader and mentor of full technical team
• Partner with QA to evaluate raw material specifications and develop finished product specifications.
• Maintain current Product Formulas on-file and partner with co-manufacturers and QA on any required ingredient/sourcing changes.
• Perform or direct laboratory bench work with co-manufacturers or development partners to develop prototypes for evaluation and testing.
• Coordinate bench-top and scale-up prototype production and evaluation.
• Plan, attend and lead plant trials and production start-ups at co-manufacturers. 
• Develop supplement and nutritional facts panel content and help others understand changes in regulations in this space
• Review, evaluate and interpret scientific literature for product health claims/benefits, for dosing specifications, and for best ingredient forms.
• Support product and ingredient testing - facilitate development, evaluation, and third-party analysis of prototypes, trial products and finished products (chemistry, sensory, physical, microbiology, identity, etc.).
• Partner with QA to develop and execute Stability studies.
• Work closely with project teams consisting of QA, Brand and Scientific Affairs.
• Work with internal and external partners: Suppliers, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Bulletproof leadership to achieve targeted product launches on time, on budget and on quality.
• Support and optimize the base business by troubleshooting and problem-solving on-going production by working with internal and external partners.
• Provide technical leadership and communication for the cross-functional Bulletproof team.
• Maintains awareness of current research and developments in industry
• Drives continuous improvement/optimization of current products and processes
• Ability to exhibit agility and adaptability as the company grows and changes.

• BS, MS or Ph.D. in Food Science, Biochemistry, Nutrition, or related fields.
• 10+ years of supplements, gummy, powders, nutrition bars, or relevant development experience.
• 2+ years of managing people or teams preferred.
• Successful product development experience from concept to scale up, product launch and throughout Product Lifecycle.
• Effective team leadership, performance management and organizational skills
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment and understanding of cross functional teams.
• Knowledge of GMP environments and Food Safety
• General scientific and technical expertise and ability to communicate that to various audiences with varying degrees of technical background.
• Effective oral and written communications, project management, interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving, troubleshooting skills and ability to find creative solutions
• Able to work on expedited timelines with a sense of urgency
• Knowledge in nutritional software that generates nutritional data such as nutritional and supplemental facts, such as ESHA Genesis
• Experience with regulatory affairs and with FDA requirements for food and dietary supplements

Annual base salary gross: $140,000 - $150,000. The base salary range represents the anticipated low and high end of the salary range for this position.  The base salary is one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other benefits include performance bonus program, generous time-off, flexible schedules, comprehensive health insurance (several options to choose from), 401k program with company match, paid parental leave, company paid disability insurance, and bulletproof.com store discount & credit.

Grupo Mariposa's mission is to nurture growth and foster sustainability within the global food and beverage industry. We are committed to excellence through disciplined management, innovative practices and dynamic culture that embraces change.

Grupo Mariposa is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.