R&D Commercialization Manager - Sevillo
Woodland Foods, West Jordan, Utah, United States, 84088
Overview
Position:
R&D Commercialization Manager
Department:
R&D / Culinary
Reports to:
Vice President of Culinary, dotted line Director of R&D
Location:
West Jordan, UT
Job Class:
Exempt
Travel:
Minimal (some travel for customer presentations)
Company WOODLAND GOURMET — Sevillo Fine Foods, now proudly part of Woodland Gourmet, specializes in the development and production of premium, custom-crafted fire-roasted vegetables, slow roasted tomatoes, pickled vegetables, and plant-based sauces for the foodservice, industrial, and retail markets. Guided by our philosophy to Connect | Craft | Customize, we partner closely with our customers to bring their culinary visions to life — from initial concept through full commercialization. Now part of the Woodland Gourmet, Sevillo, Woodland Gourmet, and Idan Foods deliver high-quality, on-trend customized food solutions that combine deep industry expertise, artisanal craftsmanship, and tailored innovation to meet the evolving needs of today’s food industry.
Summary The R&D / Commercialization Manager plays a key role in ensuring the successful development and launch of newly approved products from inception through production / launch, as well as continuous improvement. Success as the R&D Commercialization Manager requires strong food science knowledge, technical problem-solving skills, effective communication, and a hands-on, detail-driven approach to project management. As this role is critical to our mission of developing innovative, custom solutions that deliver exceptional taste, texture, and functionality for our clients in the restaurant and foodservice industry, this candidate will have proven experience in elevating technical / flavor capability to develop competitive, differentiated solutions.
Collaboration and teamwork are essential skills, working alongside the Sales, Culinary/R&D, Quality, Operations, Procurement and customer teams to cover all facets of formulations, processes, packaging, shelf-life, storage, specifications, ingredient substitutions and/or changes.
This role will report directly to the VP of Culinary at Sevillo, with a dotted line reporting structure to both the Director of R&D and Director of Corporate Project Management. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of working collaboratively with restaurant chain R&D and culinary teams to create tailored products that drive menu differentiation and consumer appeal.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Innovation
Lead end-to-end product development from ideation, formulation, and benchtop creation to full-scale commercialization.
Product development within Sevillo, Woodland Gourmet and Idan product categories, aligned with customer and market trends.
Collaborate with flavor houses and ingredient suppliers to craft innovative, on-trend flavor profiles.
Stay current on food trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies to identify new product opportunities.
Generate and refine prototypes to support internal reviews and customer presentations.
Commercialization & Scale-Up
Manage all aspects of commercialization including formulation, ingredient approvals, process development, shelf-life, packaging, and specification creation.
Oversee and support plant trials, production start-ups, and early runs to ensure product quality, sensory expectations, and consistency.
Conduct feasibility assessments, scale-up evaluations, shelf-life testing, labeling verification, and specification development.
Ensure seamless transition of new concepts into production by managing risk, driving problem resolution, and ensuring cross-functional alignment.
Project Management & Execution
Lead multiple development and commercialization projects, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and timelines are met.
Scope projects accurately, plan and execute experiments, analyze results, and document findings with technical recommendations.
Maintain project updates, technical documentation, and customer communication through appropriate systems and portals.
Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a technical liaison between R&D, Culinary, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and customers.
Partner directly with customers to understand their needs, present solutions, and guide formula revisions through to approval.
Communicate formula changes, ingredient substitutions, and technical updates in writing and in meetings.
Ensure accurate and timely communication of technical data, launch status, and project progress to all stakeholders.
Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
Ensure all products meet regulatory, food safety (SQF, HACCP), labeling, and customer-specific requirements.
Support continuous improvement of existing formulas to enhance food safety, product quality, efficiency, and yields.
Maintain documentation for formulations, SOPs, specs, nutrition panels, and labeling requirements.
Participate in HACCP and food safety teams and comply with GMPs and all workplace safety procedures.
Technical Expertise & Support
Act as a technical subject matter expert on product formulation, ingredient functionality, and process optimization.
Provide technical support to foodservice, retail, and industrial customers, as well as internal departments.
Assist in training team members and supporting the organization and maintenance of the test kitchen.
Maintain working knowledge of production equipment, processing systems, and company capabilities.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Minimum 10+ years of direct experience in food product development and commercialization with food service channel experience focused on collaborating with restaurant chain R&D and culinary teams
Experience working in manufacturing factories, R&D labs, & pilot plants
Experience in products with a wide variety of applications
Strong understanding of food processing, packaging, shelf-life, and regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA)
Technical experience in elevating product differentiation through flavors
Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred)
Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, ERP systems, and strong math skills
HACCP certified (or willing to complete within 90 days)
Skills & Attributes
Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills; able to influence and collaborate across teams and with customers
Proven ability to lead multiple R&D projects simultaneously, delivering on time, within budget, and aligned with customer objectives
Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a high attention to detail and a sense of urgency
Experience in custom product innovation, including sauce, fire roasting, slow roasting, dry ingredient blending, formulation, and manufacturing processes
Deep understanding of ingredient functionality (e.g., flavors, stabilizers, emulsifiers) and regulatory requirements including food safety and labeling
Adept at translating culinary trends and customer insights into commercially viable solutions
Collaborative and resourceful team player who balances ownership with cross-functional teamwork
Passionate about food and culinary innovation, with a drive for continuous improvement in quality and efficiency
Physical Requirements
Able to lift/move up to 50 lbs
Comfortable standing for extended periods and working in manufacturing environments, including cold storage areas
The physical requirements described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to help individuals with disabilities perform these vital functions. The job typically requires standing and walking for extended periods of time on the production floor. Exposure to cold temperatures, wet environments, and food processing equipment. Ability to wear required PPE, including hair nets, gloves, and protective footwear.
This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.
Woodland Gourmet hires exceptional people to perform a wide variety of important functions that contribute to the success of our organization. We offer a competitive compensation package with benefits. Based on your qualifications, previous experience, and transferable skills, the company will determine, at its discretion, the hourly rate offered and will reflect the market conditions and cost of living for your geographic location.
Our benefits program is designed to support our team in leading healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. We deeply value the contributions of our team members and are committed to offering a competitive total compensation package. Additionally, we offer medical, prescription drug plans, dental, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, vision insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits (hospital, critical illness, personal accident, legal & identify theft), 401k with company match, paid family leave, paid holidays and paid time off.
Woodland Gourmet is a participant in the federal E-Verify program. As part of the hiring process, we will verify the information provided on your Form I-9 to confirm your eligibility to work in the United States. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from your Form I-9 to government records to confirm employment eligibility. For more information on E-Verify and your rights, please visit the E-Verify website.
Woodland Gourmet assures equal employment opportunity in all its hiring and employment policies and practices. This includes all aspects of employment, such as recruiting, hiring, promotions, transfers, demotions, layoffs or terminations, compensation, benefits, training, company-sponsored education, social and recreational programs or events, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. These policies and practices are administered without regard to legally protected categories such as race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or sexual orientation, pregnancy status or medical conditions related to childbirth, and/or any other factor protected by law.
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R&D Commercialization Manager
Department:
R&D / Culinary
Reports to:
Vice President of Culinary, dotted line Director of R&D
Location:
West Jordan, UT
Job Class:
Exempt
Travel:
Minimal (some travel for customer presentations)
Company WOODLAND GOURMET — Sevillo Fine Foods, now proudly part of Woodland Gourmet, specializes in the development and production of premium, custom-crafted fire-roasted vegetables, slow roasted tomatoes, pickled vegetables, and plant-based sauces for the foodservice, industrial, and retail markets. Guided by our philosophy to Connect | Craft | Customize, we partner closely with our customers to bring their culinary visions to life — from initial concept through full commercialization. Now part of the Woodland Gourmet, Sevillo, Woodland Gourmet, and Idan Foods deliver high-quality, on-trend customized food solutions that combine deep industry expertise, artisanal craftsmanship, and tailored innovation to meet the evolving needs of today’s food industry.
Summary The R&D / Commercialization Manager plays a key role in ensuring the successful development and launch of newly approved products from inception through production / launch, as well as continuous improvement. Success as the R&D Commercialization Manager requires strong food science knowledge, technical problem-solving skills, effective communication, and a hands-on, detail-driven approach to project management. As this role is critical to our mission of developing innovative, custom solutions that deliver exceptional taste, texture, and functionality for our clients in the restaurant and foodservice industry, this candidate will have proven experience in elevating technical / flavor capability to develop competitive, differentiated solutions.
Collaboration and teamwork are essential skills, working alongside the Sales, Culinary/R&D, Quality, Operations, Procurement and customer teams to cover all facets of formulations, processes, packaging, shelf-life, storage, specifications, ingredient substitutions and/or changes.
This role will report directly to the VP of Culinary at Sevillo, with a dotted line reporting structure to both the Director of R&D and Director of Corporate Project Management. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of working collaboratively with restaurant chain R&D and culinary teams to create tailored products that drive menu differentiation and consumer appeal.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Innovation
Lead end-to-end product development from ideation, formulation, and benchtop creation to full-scale commercialization.
Product development within Sevillo, Woodland Gourmet and Idan product categories, aligned with customer and market trends.
Collaborate with flavor houses and ingredient suppliers to craft innovative, on-trend flavor profiles.
Stay current on food trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies to identify new product opportunities.
Generate and refine prototypes to support internal reviews and customer presentations.
Commercialization & Scale-Up
Manage all aspects of commercialization including formulation, ingredient approvals, process development, shelf-life, packaging, and specification creation.
Oversee and support plant trials, production start-ups, and early runs to ensure product quality, sensory expectations, and consistency.
Conduct feasibility assessments, scale-up evaluations, shelf-life testing, labeling verification, and specification development.
Ensure seamless transition of new concepts into production by managing risk, driving problem resolution, and ensuring cross-functional alignment.
Project Management & Execution
Lead multiple development and commercialization projects, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and timelines are met.
Scope projects accurately, plan and execute experiments, analyze results, and document findings with technical recommendations.
Maintain project updates, technical documentation, and customer communication through appropriate systems and portals.
Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a technical liaison between R&D, Culinary, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and customers.
Partner directly with customers to understand their needs, present solutions, and guide formula revisions through to approval.
Communicate formula changes, ingredient substitutions, and technical updates in writing and in meetings.
Ensure accurate and timely communication of technical data, launch status, and project progress to all stakeholders.
Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
Ensure all products meet regulatory, food safety (SQF, HACCP), labeling, and customer-specific requirements.
Support continuous improvement of existing formulas to enhance food safety, product quality, efficiency, and yields.
Maintain documentation for formulations, SOPs, specs, nutrition panels, and labeling requirements.
Participate in HACCP and food safety teams and comply with GMPs and all workplace safety procedures.
Technical Expertise & Support
Act as a technical subject matter expert on product formulation, ingredient functionality, and process optimization.
Provide technical support to foodservice, retail, and industrial customers, as well as internal departments.
Assist in training team members and supporting the organization and maintenance of the test kitchen.
Maintain working knowledge of production equipment, processing systems, and company capabilities.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Minimum 10+ years of direct experience in food product development and commercialization with food service channel experience focused on collaborating with restaurant chain R&D and culinary teams
Experience working in manufacturing factories, R&D labs, & pilot plants
Experience in products with a wide variety of applications
Strong understanding of food processing, packaging, shelf-life, and regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA)
Technical experience in elevating product differentiation through flavors
Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred)
Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, ERP systems, and strong math skills
HACCP certified (or willing to complete within 90 days)
Skills & Attributes
Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills; able to influence and collaborate across teams and with customers
Proven ability to lead multiple R&D projects simultaneously, delivering on time, within budget, and aligned with customer objectives
Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a high attention to detail and a sense of urgency
Experience in custom product innovation, including sauce, fire roasting, slow roasting, dry ingredient blending, formulation, and manufacturing processes
Deep understanding of ingredient functionality (e.g., flavors, stabilizers, emulsifiers) and regulatory requirements including food safety and labeling
Adept at translating culinary trends and customer insights into commercially viable solutions
Collaborative and resourceful team player who balances ownership with cross-functional teamwork
Passionate about food and culinary innovation, with a drive for continuous improvement in quality and efficiency
Physical Requirements
Able to lift/move up to 50 lbs
Comfortable standing for extended periods and working in manufacturing environments, including cold storage areas
The physical requirements described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to help individuals with disabilities perform these vital functions. The job typically requires standing and walking for extended periods of time on the production floor. Exposure to cold temperatures, wet environments, and food processing equipment. Ability to wear required PPE, including hair nets, gloves, and protective footwear.
This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.
Woodland Gourmet hires exceptional people to perform a wide variety of important functions that contribute to the success of our organization. We offer a competitive compensation package with benefits. Based on your qualifications, previous experience, and transferable skills, the company will determine, at its discretion, the hourly rate offered and will reflect the market conditions and cost of living for your geographic location.
Our benefits program is designed to support our team in leading healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. We deeply value the contributions of our team members and are committed to offering a competitive total compensation package. Additionally, we offer medical, prescription drug plans, dental, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, vision insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits (hospital, critical illness, personal accident, legal & identify theft), 401k with company match, paid family leave, paid holidays and paid time off.
Woodland Gourmet is a participant in the federal E-Verify program. As part of the hiring process, we will verify the information provided on your Form I-9 to confirm your eligibility to work in the United States. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from your Form I-9 to government records to confirm employment eligibility. For more information on E-Verify and your rights, please visit the E-Verify website.
Woodland Gourmet assures equal employment opportunity in all its hiring and employment policies and practices. This includes all aspects of employment, such as recruiting, hiring, promotions, transfers, demotions, layoffs or terminations, compensation, benefits, training, company-sponsored education, social and recreational programs or events, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. These policies and practices are administered without regard to legally protected categories such as race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or sexual orientation, pregnancy status or medical conditions related to childbirth, and/or any other factor protected by law.
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