Duties and Responsibilities:

• Direct and oversee the development and execution of comprehensive R&D plant trial protocols, procedures, and requirements, ensuring robust cross-functional alignment and collaboration.
• Develop new bakery buns to satisfy consumer and market needs.
• Work with R&D, operations, and QA to set processing standards that consistently achieve product targets.
• Find process gaps and improvements to narrow specification ranges and enhance target performance.
• Regularly update team members to review progress, give feedback, solve issues, and plan ahead. .
• Collaborate on developing formulations, processing parameters, and specifications to support consistent production outcomes.
• Maintain clear plant capability matrices showing current, near-term, and target proficiencies by product category.
• Develop and execute multivariable experimental protocols for plant testing. Deliver comprehensive reports detailing results and findings.
• Assist with process equipment optimization and new installations alongside Engineering, Operations CI, and R&D when needed.
• Lead and partner with Operations leadership and CI leads on margin improvement design to value margin productivity opportunities in  formulation and processing.
• Develop a comprehensive co-manufacturer product development and qualification playbook outlining the procedures for assessment, approval, and testing.
• Create professional development plans for R&D team members to support growth and skill advancement.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field – Food Science, Baking Science, Food Engineering or other related field. Advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in Food Manufacturing R&D and/or Technical Services, with significant exposure to commercial bakery products
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement policies and procedures
• Demonstrated success in project management related to the development and commercialization of new products required
• Experience collaborating with customers, suppliers, assemblers, and co-manufacturers to develop and commercialize new products.
• Extensive experience with food manufacturing facilities, preferably in bakery processes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient use of a computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), and other related applications or software.
• Strong understanding of scientific principles and methods relevant to food product research and development
• Strong understanding of continuous improvement principles and tools
• Expert understanding of process and product interactions
• Broad knowledge of food ingredients, with expertise in grain-based foods preferred
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to assist scientists and Operations in diagnosing issues and implementing effective solutions
• Strong research, data analysis and project management skills
• Proven communication and influencing skills with cross-functional teams and external partners
• General knowledge of GMPs and AIB standards
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of associates ranging from entry level to executive level positions.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, often with competing deadlines.
• Ability to analyze complex technical problems and devise creative and effective solutions.
• Ability to effectively train and transfer knowledge to plant Operations and QA personnel.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Must be able to set priorities, delegate responsibilities, and meet timelines.
• Ability to work with multiple internal stakeholders to manage and meet expectations and demands of new product development process.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Manage multiple direct reports including but not limited to: Manager(s), Scientist(s), or other assigned staff.
• Work requires supervising and monitoring work performance of direct reports including making final decisions on hiring and disciplinary actions, evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, and realigning work and staffing assignments, as needed.
• Develop functional responsibilities of individuals that report to this position and ensure that best in-class output is created.