Head of R&D & Product Quality

About the role

Mezcla is seeking a senior leader to own product research, development, and quality for its plant‑based snack portfolio. You will drive innovation, ensure sensory consistency, and partner with manufacturing to scale high‑performing protein bars.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the creation of new formulas, flavors, and concepts across the product line.
• Optimize existing formulations for taste, texture, shelf life, and stability.
• Design and manage sensory evaluation processes and analyze data to guide decisions.
• Establish quality standards, benchmarks, and testing protocols.
• Collaborate with co‑manufacturers, supply‑chain teams, and external food‑safety consultants.
• Build scalable processes and systems as the company grows.

Required profile

• 5–10 years of experience in food R&D and/or product quality.
• Direct experience developing protein bars (strongly preferred).
• Proven ability to work with co‑manufacturers and scale food products.
• Comfortable in a fast‑paced, hands‑on startup environment.
• Builder mindset with a focus on creating systems from the ground up.

Required skills

• Formulation development
• Shelf‑life analysis
• Sensory evaluation techniques
• Food safety and quality compliance
• Scaling production with co‑manufacturers

What we offer

• High ownership and impact from day one.
• Opportunity to shape a fast‑growing plant‑based snack brand.
• Work on products that consumers love.