Who We Are
At JonnyPops, our team is empowered to make an impact at work every day from producing high-quality, innovative frozen novelties to spreading kindness one pop at a time. We look for bright and ambitious individuals who seek out challenges, thrive in fast-paced and high-growth environments, align with our core values, and get fulfilment from seeing their work transform the world around them.
Based in Elk River, MN, JonnyPops develops, manufactures, distributes, and markets frozen novelties. Retailers from coast to coast including Target, Costco, Publix, Kroger, Cub, along with thousands of regional and local grocers make JonnyPops part of their assortment.
Growing from a dorm room start-up in 2012, JonnyPops’ mission is to make "A Better Pop for a Better World!" JonnyPops leads the frozen novelties space in innovation and uses simple ingredients with no artificial dyes. Every pop stick includes a kind deed, spreading kindness every day.
Joining JonnyPops is an exciting opportunity to be part of high-growth brand and have a direct impact on the company’s success. Join our team and help us make “A Better Pop, for a Better World!”
Job SummaryWe are looking for a senior R&D Manager to serve as the strategic head of our Research & Development function — a people-first leader who brings vision, plant experience, and a strong track record of turning ideas into market-ready products.
In this role, you will lead a team of scientists and R&D technicians, own the innovation pipeline end-to-end, and collaborate across Production, QA, Engineering, and Supply Chain to deliver results that meet business objectives, regulatory standards, and manufacturing requirements. You will act as the on-site product voice and maintain key vendor and supplier relationships to support projects from concept through commercialization.
This role is expected to be on the manufacturing floor 20% of the time, with 80% focused on leading the team in creation and ideation.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesServe as the strategic head of R&D, providing strong leadership and influence across plant operations and the broader businessLead, mentor, and develop a team of R&D scientists, technologists, technicians, and support staffAct as the on-site product voice, maintaining a deep understanding of both innovation goals and manufacturing realitiesManage the R&D project portfolio, ensuring timely execution and alignment with business prioritiesOwn the innovation pipeline with the ability to prioritize, delegate, and step in as needed to keep projects movingManage quick-turn prototype development to support agile innovation cycles and customer/internal evaluationsSupport building and maintaining a rolling pipeline of early-stage ideas through late-stage developmentSet project milestones, timelines, and resource allocations in collaboration with cross-functional partnersProvide R&D leadership from early feasibility through commercialization of innovation and renovation as it pertains to the plant floorDesign, develop, and build experiments and trials to be implemented into manufacturingPartner with manufacturing and process engineering teams to scale new products from lab to plantOversee pilot plant trials, first production runs, and troubleshooting during scale-upIntegrate new concepts and innovation center learnings into the plant to support future growthManage multiple priorities and adjust based on fast-paced, evolving business needsCollaborate across Supply Chain, Engineering, Production, and internal/external experts to advance ideas through feasibility and implementationMaintain and leverage an established supplier and vendor network, including connections outside of JonnyPops, to support projects end-to-endApply strong cost-out and operational thinking alongside high innovation capabilityFood Safety ResponsibilitiesEnsure all food safety protocols are metEngineer, design, and build products with food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness as a top priorityClearly reflect food safety and quality as part of the JonnyPops brand when planning and executing projects and while interacting with relevant internal and external stakeholdersFollow, adhere to, and uphold GMP standardsMinimum QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field6+ years of product development, commercialization, and team leadership experienceHACCP / FSMA - PCQI Certification preferredDemonstrated senior leadership skills with the agility and adaptability to manage multiple situations with a strong learning mindsetPlant experience with the ability to translate innovation into manufacturing executionInnovation center experience with a track record of integrating new concepts into plant operationsDesire to be a possibilities thinker who can translate ideas into actionBuilds effective relationships and partnerships with internal and external partners, including an established supplier and vendor networkStrong communication and interpersonal skillsPreferred experience with process development and/or commercialization in the food industryProficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPointAble to perform basic mathematical calculations and analysesAbility to interpret lab resultsExperience leveraging AI and building agents preferredAdditional RequirementsNaturally curious, with an appreciation for ambiguity and the ability to embrace a "test and learn" mentality in pursuit of continuous improvementAlignment to our mission to spread kindness — JonnyPops is a kindness-based companyVersatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasmThis role will travel to the Elk River location when needed.Physical Demands and Work Environment
Physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; talk and hear, and reach with hands or arms. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee consistently lifts and/or moves up to 100 lbs and is on their feet for the majority of the workday. Works comfortably in a variable temperature environment. This role would require split time between our Plymouth, MN R&D Center and our production facility in Elk River, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $135,000 - $165,000 per year
Benefits:
401(k)401(k) matchingDental insuranceEmployee assistance programEmployee discountFlexible spending accountHealth insuranceHealth savings accountLife insurancePaid time offParental leaveReferral programRetirement planVision insuranceSchedule:
Day shiftMonday to FridayWeekends as neededWork Location: In person
JonnyPops offers a competitive benefits package which includes the following:
Medical/Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance HSA FSA DCFSA Life & AD&D Insurance Short & Long Term Disability FTO/PTO EAP Programs Paid Holidays Employee Referral Program Sick & Safe Leave 401k Company Sponsored Meal Plan* Hired candidates may be eligible to receive additional compensation in the form of bonuses and/or commissions.
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