Research & Development (R&D) Supervisor

Job Description

Job Description

The R&D Supervisor leads product formulation, process development, product trials, and commercial launches for fresh and wet pet food products. This role ensures successful product commercialization by translating laboratory formulations into scalable, efficient, and consistent manufacturing processes. The R&D Supervisor works closely with Production, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and external technical partners to optimize product quality, food safety, cost, and operational performance while developing the facility’s independent R&D capabilities.

Essential Job Functions & Key Outcomes

• Product Development & Commercialization: Lead formulation development, sample preparation, pilot trials, and commercial production launches, ensuring a successful transition from R&D to stable, repeatable manufacturing.
• Process Development & Optimization: Develop and optimize manufacturing parameters for raw material preparation, mixing, filling, thermal processing, cooling, and packaging. Maintain accurate formulas, process specifications, and operating instructions.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Provide hands-on technical support during equipment installation, commissioning, and production startup. Identify and resolve formulation, product quality, yield, consistency, and process efficiency issues.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Production, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and project teams to evaluate raw materials, product costs, equipment capabilities, manufacturing feasibility, and customer requirements.
• Technical Partnership & Knowledge Transfer: Coordinate with Wanpy’s R&D team to obtain technical documentation, training, and project support. Collaborate with Wanpy’s Technical Director and R&D team on technical reviews, project implementation, and follow-up activities.
• Documentation & Continuous Improvement: Establish and maintain trial records, formula version control, process specifications, and change management procedures. Train plant personnel and strengthen the facility’s independent R&D and technical support capabilities.

Education, Experience & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Food Science, Animal Nutrition, Meat Science, Food Processing, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in food or pet food R&D, formulation, or process development, including at least 2 years leading projects independently.
• Experience commercializing products from laboratory formulation through pilot trials to full-scale production.
• Experience with fresh, wet, or canned pet food manufacturing is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of meat-based formulations, raw material functionality, thermal processing, shelf-life evaluation, and process validation.
• Familiarity with applicable U.S. pet food safety, labeling, and manufacturing requirements.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot formulation and production process issues.

Competencies

• Strong hands-on problem-solving and technical execution skills.
• Effective cross-functional communication and collaboration.
• Strong project coordination, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to train employees and transfer technical knowledge.
• Willingness to work directly on the production floor to support trials, startups, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English with U.S. plant personnel, suppliers, and customers, as needed.
• Chinese language proficiency preferred to support collaboration with Wanpy’s R&D team.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• This is an on-site position in a pet food manufacturing facility. The role requires regular interaction with production operations, equipment, raw materials, and product trials, including compliance with applicable food safety, sanitation, and personal protective equipment requirements.

Compensation and Benefits

• Total Annual Compensation: $85,000-90,000

• Full U.S. Executive Benefits: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision insurance, 401k matching, statutory paid holidays, and a competitive PTO package.

Scientific Precision. Lifelong Devotion. Leading Pet Nutrition.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Hao’s Global Pet Nutrition Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in accordance with applicable federal, California, and local laws.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance