R&D Process Development Manager

The R&D Process Development Manager serves as a senior technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) for High Liner Foods’ manufacturing processes and systems, with a primary focus on ensuring frozen products are executed for successful full-scale manufacturing. This role acts as the critical bridge between R&D and Manufacturing, translating bench and pilot scale formulations, processes, and specifications into robust, efficient, and repeatable full-scale production across High Liner Foods’ internal manufacturing and co-manufacturing network. The position identifies and leads product and process opportunities, including formulation and ingredient changes, process improvements, specification modifications, and the evaluation and application of new technologies to improve manufacturability, performance, and cost. As part of a multi-disciplinary technical team, this role provides hands-on leadership during plant trials, first productions, and scale-up activities, ensuring alignment between product intent and operational execution. The position is based at High Liner Foods’ headquarters in Portsmouth, NH and provides technical support to manufacturing locations as needed, including partnering with co-manufactures and vendors. Accountability And Responsibilities Technical SME & Manufacturing Expertise Serve as the technical SME for frozen product manufacturing processes, systems, and equipment. Develop and maintain deep, current knowledge of products, formulations, processing technologies, packaging capabilities and plant operations. Provide expert guidance on manufacturability, process capability, packaging and operational constraints across sites. R&D Manufacturing Translation & Technical Services Own the translation of R&D formulations, processes, and specifications into scalable, repeatable manufacturing processes. Support the plant with technical services when translating R&D formulations to plant runs. Partner with R&D & packaging teams early in development to ensure products are designed for manufacturability and aligned with plant capabilities. Identify process, formulation, or equipment risks early and drive technical solutions prior to commercialization. Ensure smooth transfer of products across High Liner Foods’ internal and external manufacturing network. Lead projects focused on yield optimization, cost reduction, throughput improvement, labor efficiency, and quality enhancement. Support formula and specification optimization to improve manufacturability without compromising product integrity. Analyze production and operating data to identify opportunities and implement sustainable improvements. Evaluate and apply emerging technologies in partnership with external suppliers, consultants, and professional organizations. Plant Floor Execution Lead and direct plant trials, first productions, and scale-up activities, serving as the on-site technical authority. Establish and institutionalize clear success criteria for trials and production runs, including defined throughput, yield, and performance benchmarks. Set, validate, and adjust machine parameters, tooling, dies, cutting and slicing methods, and line configuration to ensure product consistency and efficiency. Troubleshoot process and equipment issues in real time, making decisive adjustments to maintain throughput, yield, and quality. Work directly with operators, supervisors, and plant leadership to align on best operating practices and execution standards. Documentation, Governance & Reports Maintain clear, concise technical documentation including formulas, process specifications, trial reports, and risk assessments. Prepare project scopes, cost estimates, and support capital project requests as needed. Present technical findings and recommendations to R&D and cross-functional stakeholders. Mentor, influence, and coach plant leaders and project teams on best manufacturing and processing practices. Process, Equipment & Technology Development Acting as the product expert, qualify new processing lines, equipment, tooling, and technologies to support new product launches and renovations. Define and document process specifications, control parameters, and standard operating conditions. Support equipment moves, line modifications, and process changes in collaboration with Engineering and Operations. Cross-Functional & External Collaboration Maintain strong, cooperative working relationships with R&D, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, FP&A, Supply Chain,