EMPWR creates high quality nutritious and delicious bars.
Our company was founded in 2020 and has experienced remarkable growth ever since. We produce some of the most iconic and leading brands, setting the standard for taste and texture in the market. We’re active in The Netherlands, Croatia, USA, Canada and Belgium, with 1300 passionate employees.
As one talented team, we share a passion for high quality nutritious and delicious bars. Acting as entrepreneurs in our professions, we team up with each other on an exciting path to growth. EMPWR prioritizes employee safety and creates a motivating work environment that encourages collaboration and personal growth.
This year, we’re expanding even more and transform our operations into state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. With joined forces, we continue to grow.
Join us and help shape the future of healthy snacking!
The R&D Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of key product development activities from benchtop development to line trials. They will also help deliver the strategic vision of R&D leadership through the development and implementation of processes and procedures. They will also oversee the work of select product development staff, deliver customer expectations and manage relationships.
Responsibilities
- Lead multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize according to business needs.
- Mentor and manage lab technicians and junior food scientists on product development and renovation projects.
- Represent EMPWR R&D in external customer meetings.
- Coordinate R&D product development activities by setting clear objectives, managing resources, and maintaining accountability.
- Implement process improvements within R&D to impact team efficiency and capacity.
- Track delivery to R&D-owned milestones in support of project timelines.
- Model and promote a culture of high performance and collaboration.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or related field.
- 8+ years of experience in end-to-end food product development, from initial concept to first production preferably in protein bars, snacks bars or candy technologies.
- At least 2 years of experience managing people.
- Proven experience taking products from concept to commercialization.
- Experience with R&D lab and manufacturing environments.
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication abilities.
- Ability to balance innovation, quality, timelines, and cost.
- Solid understanding of food processing, shelf life, and sensory evaluation.
- Knowledge of MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Preferred
- Strong knowledge of bar systems (proteins, binders, fibers, sweeteners, fats, inclusions).
- Project management and cross‑functional leadership skills.
Competencies:
- Responsible and conscientious
- Attention to detail
- Track record of innovation
- Organized and adaptable to changing priorities
- Data-driven decision making
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Bias for action; results-oriented