R&D Product Development Manager

About FreeNow:
FreeNow is a dynamic and fast-growing plant-based food and beverage company, founded in 2015 and dedicated to creating innovative, nutritious, and sustainable products. With a strong presence across Asia and expanding influence in global markets—including Europe, Oceania, and the Americas—FreeNow is committed to leading the future of plant-based nutrition. Our flagship products, such as Barista Coconut Milk, have revolutionized categories and inspired consumer trends worldwide.

As we continue our expansion in North America, we are seeking passionate and talented individuals to join our Buffalo-based R&D team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven brand while growing your career in an entrepreneurial environment.

Role Overview:
We are looking for a Senior Product Development Specialist with a strong background in dairy or plant-based food formulation. The ideal candidate will lead the development of new products from concept to commercialization, focusing on innovation, quality, and scalability. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams in marketing, production, and supply chain, and offers the chance to shape FreeNow’s product offerings in the U.S. and beyond.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end product development for plant-based beverages and foods, with an emphasis on coconut, oat, and emerging plant-based ingredients.
• Design and execute experiments; analyze data; optimize formulations for flavor, texture, stability, and cost.
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing partners to source ingredients and scale production processes.
• Work closely with marketing to align product development with consumer insights and market trends.
• Manage project timelines and ensure milestones are met within budget.
• Support quality assurance and regulatory compliance efforts for all new products.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in product development within the food and beverage industry, preferably in dairy or plant-based products.
• Strong knowledge of ingredient functionality, emulsion systems, and formulation principles.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional, and results-driven environment.
• Creative problem-solving skills and a strong entrepreneurial mindset.
• Excellent communication and project management abilities.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a startup or early-stage company.
• Familiarity with plant-based dairy alternatives and clean label trends.
• Experience working with co-manufacturers or in a scale-up environment.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health benefits and retirement plans.
• Opportunity to work with a globally recognized innovator in the plant-based industry.
• Career growth opportunities in a rapidly expanding market.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven work culture.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person