R&D Manager

Huntington Beach, CA Primarily onsite at our Corporate Office and R&D Lab, with opportunities to visit store locations to support product testing and execution

Salary Range: $80,000 - $105,000 per year

At 7 Leaves Cafe, we believe we're crafting more than just coffee and tea, we're creating spaces for connection, culture, and community. Since opening our doors in 2012, what began as a shared dream among family and friends has grown into a thriving family of over 40 locations across the Southwestern U.S. We take pride in serving authentic, handcrafted beverages inspired by both tradition and innovation, all within a warm, welcoming environment where every guest feels at home.

We are entering a pivotal chapter of growth. With expansion into new regions, evolving product innovation, and an ever-growing customer base, your work will directly shape the future of our brand. This is more than a product development role-it's an opportunity to influence how we bring new experiences to life for our communities. Our success comes from staying grounded in our Core Values while continuously evolving how we serve, innovate, and grow.

As a key leader within the organization, the R&D Manager drives innovation across product development, processes, and operational strategy. This role is responsible for bringing new beverages and menu items to life-from concept to execution-ensuring they align with 7 Leaves' brand identity, quality standards, and operational capabilities.

The R&D Manager plays a critical role in enhancing the guest experience while supporting profitability and scalability. Working cross-functionally with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Training, this leader ensures that every product is thoughtfully developed, rigorously tested, and seamlessly executed across all locations.

This role also leads and develops the R&D team, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is both an innovator and a strong operator-someone who can turn ideas into scalable solutions that drive business performance and customer connection.

Team Member Discounts Enjoy your favorite 7 Leaves drinks on and off the clock.

Annual Performance Bonus Competitive bonus opportunities for eligible team members based on individual and company performance.

Comprehensive Benefits Package Medical, dental, and vision insurance available for eligible team members to support your health and well-being.

Leadership Development Programs We invest in your growth through hands-on training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

Collaborative & Supportive Culture Be part of a dynamic team where creativity, authenticity, and fun are always on the menu.

Own the full lifecycle of product innovation-from concept ideation through development, testing, and final launch across all locations

Develop new beverages and menu items that align with brand identity, customer preferences, and business goals while ensuring scalability

Drive ongoing innovation by leveraging customer insights, market trends, and competitive analysis to introduce seasonal and core menu offerings

Establish and uphold high standards for taste, presentation, and quality, ensuring a consistent and on-brand guest experience

Design and execute structured product testing, including sensory evaluations, store trials, and performance analysis to validate readiness

Use data, feedback, and operational insights to refine recipes and optimize product performance before and after launch

Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Training to ensure seamless and successful product rollouts

Develop efficient, scalable preparation methods and identify opportunities to simplify processes, reduce complexity, and improve consistency

Build and maintain clear documentation and structured systems for recipes, processes, and product development workflows

Align R&D initiatives with company objectives by partnering with leadership and providing data-driven recommendations on menu strategy

Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and customer behavior to translate insights into actionable innovation strategies

Lead store pilots and continuous improvement efforts while managing and developing the R&D team to foster a culture of innovation and accountability

5+ years of experience in product development, R&D, or culinary innovation (food & beverage or hospitality preferred)

Proven ability to take products from concept to launch in a scalable environment

Experience working cross-functionally with operations, marketing, and supply chain teams

Strong understanding of operational workflows and store-level execution

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Business, or related field preferred

Strong creative and analytical thinking with a balance of innovation and practicality

Ability to translate data, customer insights, and trends into actionable product strategies

Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives

Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams

High attention to detail and commitment to quality and consistency

Proven leadership ability with experience coaching and developing team members

Adaptable and solutions-oriented in a fast-paced environment

7 Leaves Cafe Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. This organization participates in E-verify.