Sr Manager, R&D Value Engineering

Senior Manager, R&D - Value Engineering
Hanover, PA | Full-Time | R&D Leadership

Join Utz Brands and Shape the Future of Flavor - Smarter. Leaner. Better.
At Utz Brands, we don't just make snacks-we engineer crave-worthy, cost-effective food experiences that delight millions. We're seeking a results-driven Senior Manager of R&D, Value Engineering to lead our value optimization initiatives across the full Utz product portfolio. This strategic leader will partner cross-functionally to identify and execute product and process innovations that drive efficiency without compromising quality or consumer love.

What You'll Do:
As the Senior Manager of R&D, Value Engineering, you'll lead a high-performing team of product developers and collaborate with Procurement, Manufacturing, and Continuous Improvement to uncover, evaluate, and implement cost-saving innovations. You'll manage a robust project portfolio with a laser focus on reformulation, processing technologies, and supplier partnerships that drive measurable value.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a dynamic portfolio of value engineering projects-from quick wins to long-term strategic initiatives.
• Partner cross-functionally with Procurement, Manufacturing, and CI to identify and advance cost-savings opportunities aligned with corporate goals.
• Manage and mentor product developers, providing technical direction and professional development support.
• Prioritize resources effectively across projects, ensuring delivery of high-quality outcomes on time and within budget.
• Collaborate with Innovation, Technical Services, Regulatory, and Packaging teams to ensure cohesive R&D execution.
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers, universities, and technology partners to leverage innovation pipelines.
• Represent Utz at manufacturing plants, supplier meetings, and trade events (10-25% travel).
• Champion safety, GMP compliance, and continuous improvement across all activities.

What You'll Bring:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field.
• 10-15 years of product development experience in the food & beverage industry-snack experience strongly preferred.
• Proven success in developing products from benchtop to commercial scale.
• Expertise in seasonings, extrusion, frying, and/or baking processes.
• Demonstrated experience delivering significant cost savings through R&D-led initiatives.

Skills & Attributes

• Inspiring leader with proven team-building and project management skills.
• Strategic thinker who can zoom out to see the big picture and zoom in to execute details.
• Analytical mindset with a passion for solving complex problems creatively and efficiently.
• Strong communicator-confident presenting technical findings and influencing stakeholders.
• Organized and agile; thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Why Join Utz?
We're a proud, family-founded brand built on bold flavors and big ideas. Here, you'll have the autonomy to lead change, backed by a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We're not just preserving the future of snacking-we're reshaping it.

External Recruitment Process

• Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
• Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
• Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.

Continuously Pursuing Excellence!

Here at Utz, we have a passion for exciting and delighting consumers with delicious snack foods made from high quality ingredients. After over a century with a strong family heritage, our diverse portfolio of brands includes Utz, Zapp's, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border. Our associates are the reason for the success of this company, so it is important we provide a supportive, caring and inclusive environment that offers opportunities for career growth and advancement. We also help take care of our associates by providing benefits, resources, and programs that ensure they live their healthiest lives. Our full-time benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, an employer match 401k, profit sharing plan, employee stock purchase plan and much more. Join our world class team and help us become the fastest growing pure-play U.S. snacking company of scale!

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.