Love building craveable food with real ingredients—and taking it from kitchen concept to nationwide shelves? This role puts you in full ownership of product innovation at a fast-growing, veggie-forward brand, where taste, integrity, and scale all matter.

Actual Veggies

At Actual Veggies, we celebrate whole foods, real ingredients and veggies! Launched in 2021, our chef-crafted veggie burgers are available nationally in about 12,000 retail doors including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Kroger, and Albertsons/Safeway. As we expand to new categories with our innovation, we’re on the fast track for exponential growth and looking forward to being a power player in bringing real food and real ingredients to more households.

What You Will Do

The Research & Development Manager will shape the future of Actual Veggies’ product portfolio, leading innovation and optimization from concept to scale in close collaboration with internal teams and co-manufacturing partners.

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

Who You Are

You’re a hands-on food innovator who believes real ingredients and vegetables make better products—and you know how to turn great ideas into scalable, craveable, great-tasting food. You thrive in fast-growing environments while partnering seamlessly with co-manufacturers and cross-functional teams.

Qualifications:

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
Bachelor’s degree in food science, microbiology, or related field preferred
Ability to travel up to 20%

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience
Collaborative, mission-driven team environment
Company sponsored health, dental, and vision programs
Medical insurance, Vision insurance, Dental insurance, 401(k)
PTO

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage all qualified applicants to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. While our job descriptions outline ideal qualifications, we recognize potential comes in many forms. If you believe in our work and have the foundational skills and experience that would contribute to our company culture and mission, we encourage you to apply.

R&D Manager