Socotra, Inc.
R&D Coordinator Waltham, MA - Research and Development
Socotra, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts, United States, 02254
Grow with Welch's!
Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global‑leader of convenient, good for you fruit‑based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!
At Welch’s, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.
Position Summary The R&D Coordinator provides operational, administrative, and technical support to ensure the Research & Development function runs efficiently and in alignment with business priorities. This role manages business operations, budget and contract administration, purchasing workflows, system oversight, and cross‑functional communication. The coordinator serves as a central point for communication, resource planning, purchasing, and data management across R&D.
Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage high‑volume data and documentation with accuracy.
The R&D team is a collaborative and close‑knit group that values teamwork, positivity, and continuous improvement.
Where You’ll Work This role will be based out of our Waltham, MA headquarters where you will be immersed in a dynamic workplace where innovation thrives and collaboration is key.
Our company in‑office schedule is designed to maximize collaboration & relationship building balanced with flexibility and well‑being with 3 days in office and Thursdays/Friday being remote, flex days.
What You’ll Do Business Coordination & Operational Support
Serve as the primary business coordinator for R&D, ensuring alignment with company strategies, operational goals, and cross‑functional priorities.
Facilitate resource planning, project tracking, financial monitoring, and cost‑savings initiatives, including preparing related reports, dashboards, and documentation.
Maintain the Airtable program and associated dashboards, ensuring accurate data, streamlined workflows, and clear visibility into R&D priorities and project status.
Manage purchasing workflows, including PO requisitions, invoice tracking, status follow‑ups, and issue resolution with internal and external partners.
Support R&D capital projects by setting up projects in the ERP system, managing related purchasing activities, tracking invoices, and monitoring progress through installation, asset tagging, and closure.
Administer contracts and vendor agreements, ensuring compliance with legal and company policies, maintaining a central repository, and coordinating renewals, amendments, and expenditures.
Monitor vendor performance and oversee contract lifecycle activities from initiation through renewal or closeout.
Support budget processes by helping to build budget forecasts, tracking expenses, monitoring spending trends, identifying deviations to plan, and preparing financial summaries, and ERP‑related financial workflows.
Maintain organized and secure files, training logs, skill matrices, databases, and confidential records with high attention to detail and data accuracy.
Coordinate communication and information flow between R&D and cross‑functional teams to ensure timely collaboration and operational efficiency.
Specialized Systems & Technical Support
Manage systems such as SharePoint, SpecNet, DevEx, Accolade, Infor, and other R&D platforms by configuring data, maintaining permissions, generating dashboards, and running queries.
Support data entry, configuration, and validation tasks associated with future ERP system transitions, ensuring high data integrity.
Oversee compliance requirements related to R&D permits, licenses, and regulatory documentation, tracking deadlines and preparing required submissions.
Provide coordination support for R&D safety programs, including maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS), managing training schedules, supporting audits, and taking meeting notes for safety committee meetings.
Maintain and support document management, product lifecycle management, and enterprise resource planning systems with accurate data, user access oversight, and process troubleshooting.
Learn and utilize generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, MS Co‑pilot, etc.) to automate workflows, create summaries, and increase team efficiency.
Research and propose new tools and strategies to optimize team productivity.
Train R&D team members on emerging tools and technologies to enhance operational processes, whether through formal training sessions or informal knowledge‑sharing, depending on team needs.
Other duties as assigned.
Who You Are
A team player with a "can‑do" attitude who is proactive, curious, and eager to learn.
Strong capacity for work and ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently.
Makes decisions that positively impact the current and future state of the business.
Develops meaningful relationships and collaborates across departments.
Continuously changes the status quo and seeks ways to improve and develop.
A collaborative mindset that fits with the positive, supportive, and fun culture of the R&D team.
What You’ll Need
5+ years of experience in project coordination, operations, or business management role supporting technical or senior leadership teams.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Demonstrated ability to work with a high level of detail, accuracy, and consistency, especially in data‑heavy workflows.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated cross‑functional collaboration.
High level of discretion when working with sensitive, confidential, or proprietary information.
Preferred
AS or BS degree
Experience supporting technical or R&D teams strongly preferred.
Experience working in a food & beverage or manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with financial and procurement systems (e.g., Oracle or other ERP systems).
Proficiency with enterprise systems (SharePoint, Product Lifecycle Management tools, or equivalent).
Experience with AI tools for administrative and operational efficiency.
Experience supporting project and contract administration, video conferencing tools (Zoom, RingCentral, Teams), and budget management.
What You’ll Enjoy
Organization with a bold, clear purpose & vision for the future
Inclusive Culture: Be a part of an inclusive workplace where you not only belong but also have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself
Passionate Community: You are encouraged to have a voice, share your opinions, and have individual impact on the success of the business
Hybrid Work Model: Flexible & collaborative work environment to maximize well‑being & success
Paid Time Off and Holidays: Enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge
Paid Volunteer Time Off: 40 hours of paid volunteer time for all non‑union employees
Development & Advancement: Access to LinkedIn Learning as well as both formal and informal opportunities to develop and grow your career
Compensation Package Consisting of Competitive Base Salary and Annual Incentive Plan (Bonus)
401K plan with Generous Company Match
Flexible Benefits from your first day:
Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
Health Savings Accounts
Life and accident insurance
Employee Assistance Programs
Tuition reimbursement program
Additional benefits available through Perks at Work
Paid parental (and adoption) leave – Available after 12 months of employment
The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $60,000 to $70,000 annually for US‑based employees. This range reflects the minimum and maximum for the position across all US locations, is based on a full‑time work schedule, and is Welch’s good faith estimate as of the date of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for participation in a bonus plan.
#LI-Hybrid
Welch's is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the prevention of employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and/or military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.
Welch's offers more than just a job - it's an opportunity to grow, innovate, and make a global impact with a passionate community.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global‑leader of convenient, good for you fruit‑based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!
At Welch’s, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.
Position Summary The R&D Coordinator provides operational, administrative, and technical support to ensure the Research & Development function runs efficiently and in alignment with business priorities. This role manages business operations, budget and contract administration, purchasing workflows, system oversight, and cross‑functional communication. The coordinator serves as a central point for communication, resource planning, purchasing, and data management across R&D.
Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage high‑volume data and documentation with accuracy.
The R&D team is a collaborative and close‑knit group that values teamwork, positivity, and continuous improvement.
Where You’ll Work This role will be based out of our Waltham, MA headquarters where you will be immersed in a dynamic workplace where innovation thrives and collaboration is key.
Our company in‑office schedule is designed to maximize collaboration & relationship building balanced with flexibility and well‑being with 3 days in office and Thursdays/Friday being remote, flex days.
What You’ll Do Business Coordination & Operational Support
Serve as the primary business coordinator for R&D, ensuring alignment with company strategies, operational goals, and cross‑functional priorities.
Facilitate resource planning, project tracking, financial monitoring, and cost‑savings initiatives, including preparing related reports, dashboards, and documentation.
Maintain the Airtable program and associated dashboards, ensuring accurate data, streamlined workflows, and clear visibility into R&D priorities and project status.
Manage purchasing workflows, including PO requisitions, invoice tracking, status follow‑ups, and issue resolution with internal and external partners.
Support R&D capital projects by setting up projects in the ERP system, managing related purchasing activities, tracking invoices, and monitoring progress through installation, asset tagging, and closure.
Administer contracts and vendor agreements, ensuring compliance with legal and company policies, maintaining a central repository, and coordinating renewals, amendments, and expenditures.
Monitor vendor performance and oversee contract lifecycle activities from initiation through renewal or closeout.
Support budget processes by helping to build budget forecasts, tracking expenses, monitoring spending trends, identifying deviations to plan, and preparing financial summaries, and ERP‑related financial workflows.
Maintain organized and secure files, training logs, skill matrices, databases, and confidential records with high attention to detail and data accuracy.
Coordinate communication and information flow between R&D and cross‑functional teams to ensure timely collaboration and operational efficiency.
Specialized Systems & Technical Support
Manage systems such as SharePoint, SpecNet, DevEx, Accolade, Infor, and other R&D platforms by configuring data, maintaining permissions, generating dashboards, and running queries.
Support data entry, configuration, and validation tasks associated with future ERP system transitions, ensuring high data integrity.
Oversee compliance requirements related to R&D permits, licenses, and regulatory documentation, tracking deadlines and preparing required submissions.
Provide coordination support for R&D safety programs, including maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS), managing training schedules, supporting audits, and taking meeting notes for safety committee meetings.
Maintain and support document management, product lifecycle management, and enterprise resource planning systems with accurate data, user access oversight, and process troubleshooting.
Learn and utilize generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, MS Co‑pilot, etc.) to automate workflows, create summaries, and increase team efficiency.
Research and propose new tools and strategies to optimize team productivity.
Train R&D team members on emerging tools and technologies to enhance operational processes, whether through formal training sessions or informal knowledge‑sharing, depending on team needs.
Other duties as assigned.
Who You Are
A team player with a "can‑do" attitude who is proactive, curious, and eager to learn.
Strong capacity for work and ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently.
Makes decisions that positively impact the current and future state of the business.
Develops meaningful relationships and collaborates across departments.
Continuously changes the status quo and seeks ways to improve and develop.
A collaborative mindset that fits with the positive, supportive, and fun culture of the R&D team.
What You’ll Need
5+ years of experience in project coordination, operations, or business management role supporting technical or senior leadership teams.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Demonstrated ability to work with a high level of detail, accuracy, and consistency, especially in data‑heavy workflows.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated cross‑functional collaboration.
High level of discretion when working with sensitive, confidential, or proprietary information.
Preferred
AS or BS degree
Experience supporting technical or R&D teams strongly preferred.
Experience working in a food & beverage or manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with financial and procurement systems (e.g., Oracle or other ERP systems).
Proficiency with enterprise systems (SharePoint, Product Lifecycle Management tools, or equivalent).
Experience with AI tools for administrative and operational efficiency.
Experience supporting project and contract administration, video conferencing tools (Zoom, RingCentral, Teams), and budget management.
What You’ll Enjoy
Organization with a bold, clear purpose & vision for the future
Inclusive Culture: Be a part of an inclusive workplace where you not only belong but also have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself
Passionate Community: You are encouraged to have a voice, share your opinions, and have individual impact on the success of the business
Hybrid Work Model: Flexible & collaborative work environment to maximize well‑being & success
Paid Time Off and Holidays: Enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge
Paid Volunteer Time Off: 40 hours of paid volunteer time for all non‑union employees
Development & Advancement: Access to LinkedIn Learning as well as both formal and informal opportunities to develop and grow your career
Compensation Package Consisting of Competitive Base Salary and Annual Incentive Plan (Bonus)
401K plan with Generous Company Match
Flexible Benefits from your first day:
Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
Health Savings Accounts
Life and accident insurance
Employee Assistance Programs
Tuition reimbursement program
Additional benefits available through Perks at Work
Paid parental (and adoption) leave – Available after 12 months of employment
The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $60,000 to $70,000 annually for US‑based employees. This range reflects the minimum and maximum for the position across all US locations, is based on a full‑time work schedule, and is Welch’s good faith estimate as of the date of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for participation in a bonus plan.
#LI-Hybrid
Welch's is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the prevention of employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and/or military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.
Welch's offers more than just a job - it's an opportunity to grow, innovate, and make a global impact with a passionate community.
#J-18808-Ljbffr