R&D Project Manager

Job Description

R&D Project Manager

Position Location: Seattle, WA (hybrid – in office 2-3 days/wk)

Reports to: Dir. of R&D

About SkinnyDipped

Located in Seattle, SkinnyDipped was founded by a mom, her daughter, and two best friends after realizing that nothing is more important than time spent with the ones you love. Starting out of their kitchen, the four women created SkinnyDipped: thinly dipped chocolate almonds that are exceptionally good-for-you and ridiculously delicious. We are a women-led company driven by the belief that healthy snacking should make both you and your body happy.

The Opportunity

We’re on the hunt for a sharp, organized, and food-loving R&D Project Manager to support our Director of R&D in bringing new products from concept to launch-day success. You’ll work hand-in-hand with our Director of R&D and cross-functional teams to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. From managing timelines to aligning teams, you’ll be the central hub for keeping projects on track every step of the way. If you thrive on juggling timelines, love smoothing out complexity, and want to help bring delicious ideas to life this might be your jam.

What You’ll Do

Keep the Innovation Engine Running

• Build and manage project timelines and milestones for new product development—from first scribble to store shelf.
• Collaborate with the Director of R&D to prioritize projects and keep our innovation pipeline humming.
• Create and maintain project briefs, workflows, and documentation that keep everyone on the same page.
• Act as the glue between teams—ensuring clear communication with Marketing, Ops, external suppliers, and manufacturing partners.
• Spot roadblocks before they happen and find smart ways around them.
• Make cross-functional alignment look easy (even when it’s not).

Roll Up Your Sleeves on the Technical Side

• Help conduct product tastings and sensory testing working closely with Quality to maintain standards
• Assist R&D Director in managing benchtop prototyping, pilot trials, and scaling up production.
• Keep our ingredient, sample, and retain libraries tidy and up to date.
• Work with suppliers and co-mans to keep timelines and sample quality on track.
• Ensure all technical documentation is ready for handoff—BOMs, specs, formulations, and sensory data.

Make Us Smarter, Faster, Better

• Create and refine tools for tracking and reporting on project progress.
• Maintain detailed, centralized documentation at every stage of development—so nothing gets lost along the way.
• Support process improvements and documentation upgrades across R&D.

What You Bring to the Table

Skills & Strengths

• Project management chops—you’re organized, proactive, and cool under pressure.
• Excellent communicator who can rally the troops and keep momentum high.
• Fast-on-your-feet and flexible—able to pivot when priorities shift.
• Team player with a let’s-make-it-happen mindset.

Experience & Education

• 5–8 years in food product development, innovation, supply chain, or related project management.
• Hands-on formulation and food processing knowledge.
• BS or MS in Food Science, Food Tech, or a similar field ().
• Experience with chocolate, bars, or confectionery = bonus points.
• Familiarity with FDA labeling requirements.

A Few More Things We Value

• Curious, collaborative, and comfortable in both lab and manufacturing settings.
• Solution-oriented and unshaken by curveballs.
• Passionate about food, quality, and getting things done right.

Must-Haves

• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel (including to Canada).
• Ability to stand, lift (up to 50 lbs), and work in varied conditions (lab, office, plant).
• Willingness to taste and evaluate products (we’ll accommodate dietary restrictions as needed).

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Annual performance bonus
• Equity opportunity
• Excellent medical/dental/vision benefits
• 401(k)
• 3 weeks paid vacation + 14 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off to volunteer
• Additional perks like wellness & tech stipends
• Fun, entrepreneurial culture

A Bit More About Us

We’re a -founded success story. This alone—regardless of the industry—requires true grit, mettle, and perseverance. We operate with an ethos that any idea is plausible until proven otherwise. A bold flavor combo with a totally new production method? Let’s try it. A major change to improve quality, even if it’s hard? We’ll make it happen. We lead with conviction, not hesitation. The world can be intimidating, but we stay curious, driven, and brave.

Our Mission

We craft ethical food that makes you and your body happy. We believe everyone deserves to eat the kind of nutritious, clean, delicious food we’re fortunate enough to share with our own families and friends. We work to raise up and support women and the children they care for in both our local communities and around the globe because no child should go without food or an education.