Research & Development Administrative Assistant

We are seeking an organized, detail-oriented, and dependable R&D Administrative Assistant to support the Research & Development team of a food manufacturing company.

Location: Hayward
Hours: 25-30 hours per week
Schedule: Monday-Thurday, starting at 9:00 AM up to 8 hours a day.
Pay: $23-$26 per hour
Work Environment: Approximately 50% at a desk and 50% on the food production floor.

The R&D team is responsible for developing, testing, and improving food products. In this role, you will provide administrative and hands-on support to food scientists and product developers by helping with product samples, documentation, inventory, scheduling, and daily R&D activities.

This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for someone interested in gaining experience in the food manufacturing and product development industry.
 

• 1 year of administrative or clerical experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook or Google Workspace.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn about food-industry safety, SOPs, and GMPs.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus
• Associate degree or coursework in Food Science, Nutrition, or Business Administration is a plus.
• Previous experience in an office, kitchen, laboratory, or manufacturing environment is a plus
• Ability to follow instructions, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Reliable, professional, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

• Track, log, label, and organize incoming ingredient and product samples.
• Assist with routine inventory checks and reordering of standard R&D supplies.
• File and organize product formulas, specifications, food-safety paperwork, and regulatory documents.
• Schedule meetings and maintain the R&D team calendar.
• Help coordinate buyer sample shipments and product sample logistics.
• Assist with setting up daily product tastings/sample cuttings and maintain accurate records, such as Set up the samples, Get plates/containers/materials ready and Label samples. 
• Coordinate shipping and receiving of product samples.
• Prepare basic expense reports and administrative documents.
• Take concise notes during team meetings.
• Create basic mock packaging for new products.
• Maintain an organized test-kitchen/R&D workspace.
• Follow company SOPs and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to maintain a safe and clean work environment.
• Provide general administrative support to the R&D Director and team as needed.

The ideal candidate is someone who is organized, dependable, detail-oriented, and eager to learn. You don't need to be a food scientist--the focus of this position is providing strong administrative and organizational support to the R&D team.

If you have administrative or clerical experience and kitchen, laboratory, manufacturing, or similar experience and are interested in learning more about the food industry, this could be a great entry-level opportunity.

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