R&D Manager
Join Alianza USA as R&D Manager: own the US lipid strategy, shape the product roadmap, and lead US launches in a collaborative triad, based in Raleigh/Goldsboro, NC.
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Alianza Team USA: Raleigh / Goldsboro, NC
Build the science behind
a new food category in the US
A rare R&D leadership role for a lipid specialist who wants real ownership, not a queue of incremental reformulations.
The opportunity
Most R&D roles in food are about maintaining. This one is about building.
Alianza is a Colombian food company with serious technical depth, now executing its US market entry.
The science is not generic, lipid formulation, fat crystallization, functional emulsion systems. The market is real, with FDA/USDA expertise and a clear go-to-market path already in motion.
You would be the technical lead for the entire US product strategy, working directly alongside the heads of marketing and operations in what Alianza calls the Triad: three equals, one direction. No gatekeepers between your lab decisions and the commercial roadmap.
What you would actually do
The Triad model
Three people. One agenda.
Operating under a collaborative "Triad" framework, the R&D Manager will work as an equal partner alongside Product/Marketing and Business/ Operations leaders to accelerate the Go-To-Market timeline and ensure business success in North America.
No layers of approval. The R&D Manager sits as a co-equal alongside Product/Marketing and Business/Operations. You influence the portfolio strategy, not just the formulation brief.
What we need to see from you to get an interview
Specific background, real track record.
This role has hard requirements. They're not here to filter arbitrarily, they reflect what the job actually demands on day one.
Chemical Engineering degree: Bachelor's is mandatory. Master's or PhD in Chemical/Food Engineering is a strong plus.
5–8 years in lipids, oils, and fats: fat crystallization, lipid formulation, functional fat systems or emulsifiers. This is the core of the role.
US market launch experience: you have successfully taken products through FDA/USDA compliance and onto US shelves / warehouses.
Based in or willing to relocate to Raleigh / Goldsboro, NC: this is a non-negotiable location requirement.
What you should bring to be successful
Core Competences
Commercial Acumen:
A business-oriented mindset that understands margins, supply chain challenges, and consumer trends.
Agile Project Management:
Experience working under agile frameworks, stage-gate processes, or fast-paced development environments.
Adaptability & Resilience:
Ability to pivot formulations or technical directions quickly based on shifting client briefs or market data.
Effective Communication:
High capacity for negotiation, alignment, and relationship-building with international partners and internal teams.
Job Offer
Base salary between 140K to 155K USD
Excellent benefits package (PTO, health insurance, 401K + company matching)
Joining an ambitious international company & team, both ready for the challenge in USA
- Job category
- Research & Development
- Role
- R&D Manager
- Locations
- USA, North Carolina
About CONEXIÓN Executive & Professional Search
At CONEXIÓN we connect LATAM Talent with great companies from Europe, USA and the Caribbean. We are located in Bogotá Colombia.
Our team consists of senior European and Latin recruiters, who:
Worked & lived in Europe, USA, Caribbean and LATAM.
Combine over 50 years of business experience in operational & executive roles in various industries.