Research And Development Manager jobs in United States
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Actual Veggies · 1 day ago

Research And Development Manager

positionDenver, CO
timeFull-time
remoteHybrid
senioritySenior Level
date5+ years exp

Actual Veggies celebrates whole foods and real ingredients, focusing on veggie-based products. The Research & Development Manager will lead product optimization and innovation, overseeing the development process from concept to commercialization while collaborating with various internal teams and co-manufacturers.

Food and BeverageFood DeliveryFood ProcessingSnack Food

Responsibilities

Build and lead the R&D function for Actual Veggies burgers + fries, and any new products
Lead end-to-end development of all products from concept through commercialization and scale-up
Develop line extensions and innovation aligned with brand strategy, retailer feedback, and consumer trends
Ensure all recipes can be viable in a manufacturing environment
Create optimization based on evolving needs, nutrients, pricing, while leading with taste
Lead R&D focus sessions with internal stakeholders
Create samples as needed
Conduct benchtop, pilot plant, and production trials
Establish and maintain product specifications, formulas, and process parameters
Visit co-manufacturing sites to support trials and ensure production accuracy
Own nutrition panel and ingredient list regulatory compliance
Evaluate ingredient alternatives and co-manufacturer capabilities to support clean-label, cost, and scalability goals
Partner with QA and Consumer Affairs to stay close to consumer feedback

Qualification

R&D project managementFood industry experienceCo-manufacturing experienceSensory evaluationBachelor's in food scienceRelationship managementCommunication skills

Required

5+ years of R&D project management experience in the food industry (frozen food ideally)
Proven experience working with co-manufacturing partners
Strong communication and relationship management skills
Experience with sensory evaluation and external consultants
Ability to travel up to 20%

Preferred

Bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or related field preferred

Company

Actual Veggies

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Actual Veggies is a food and beverages manufacturing company.
dateFounded in 2020
location
New York, New York, USA
people-size11-50 employees
web-link
https://actualveggies.com

Funding

Current Stage
Early Stage
Total Funding
$12.25M
Key Investors
Relentless Consumer PartnersVanterra CapitalElectric Feel Ventures
2025-02-25Series A· $7M
2022-07-01Seed· $2M
2021-08-03Seed· $2.8M

Leadership Team

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Hailey Swartz
Co-Founder & Co-CEO
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Recent News

Food Business News
Actual Veggies collaboration focuses on global cuisine
2025-08-20
Actual Veggies
Actual Veggies Named to 2025 Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America
2025-08-13
PR Newswire
MAYA KAIMAL DEBUTS FIRST BURGER COLLABORATION WITH ACTUAL VEGGIES
2025-08-07
Company data provided by crunchbase