Spindrift is one of the fastest-growing brands in beverage today. In a rapidly expanding sparkling water market, we are the first sparkling water made with real ingredients with an unmistakable, delicious taste that only real ingredients can deliver.

The Lab Manager – R&D will play an integral role in supporting the Spindrift innovation team through the management and operation of our new in-house R&D lab space. Our team is fast-paced, fun-loving, and fanatical about our delicious product; you’ll work with us to continue to grow our product offerings that highlight our key points of difference and premium approach to beverage. The Lab Manager – R&D will report to the Associate Director of Innovation, with day-to-day responsibilities that include managing a robust product development pipeline that includes rapid concept development, existing formula optimization, and validation of new ingredients and suppliers.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Co-create and manage our new R&D lab space at Spindrift HQ and devise methodology for rapid prototype creation and evaluation.
• Maintain an inventory of raw materials needed for sample development, and work with the Innovation sourcing team to identify and secure materials needed for new initiatives and exploration.
• Co-create and manage our internal prototype sampling program to support and enable sell-in of new flavors, formulas, and new beverage line concepts.

1. Develop our new internal process for batching, carbonating, filling, and pasteurizing sample can prototypes of new concept formulas
2. Implement a new internal process for evaluation by our innovation tasting panel, incorporating revisions to the formula based on their feedback.
3. Evaluate the shelf-life performance of our protype sample cans, and set our internal parameters for storage, shelf-life and handling of samples.
4. Maintain an inventory of prototype samples during active sell-in periods and support the sales team with any samples needed to present at customer meetings.

• Display initiative and thought leadership as it relates to new ideas, ingredients, technologies and new methodology within the beverage space.
• Manage our internal suite of concept formulas, including documenting every formula iteration and relevant feedback/tasting notes that coincide with each round of development.
• Create a batch sheet template format, and ensure new developments fall within established specification parameters for COGs, juice %, calories, pH, brix, TA, etc.
• Maintain lab environment by keeping equipment calibration records up to date, managing an inventory of lab consumables, and ensuring a clean and safe workspace.
• Proactively seek opportunities to improve existing formulas in our portfolio, assist in any reformulation efforts triggered by supply chain or raw material constraints, sales performance, or internal/external tasting feedback.
• Lead the final formula scale-up process, including finalizing batch sheets for production, establishing target specs, and creating nutritional fact panel and ingredient statements.
• Manage all 3rd party lab relationships that relate to testing or regulatory compliance needs for R&D.