R&D Manager

Job Purpose

Administer and perform research and development functions for Rise Baking Company. Serve as the divisional in-house expert on ingredient functionality, formulation, and project management while working closely with Operations, Procurement, and Quality Assurance teams.

Essential Functions

• Deliver projects successfully with agreed upon metrics, including cost, aesthetics, technical feasibility, commercial feasibility, and consumer acceptance
• Provide technical development scope for all projects
• Optimize formulas, processes, and ingredients for operational effectiveness, cost avoidance, and cost management
• Troubleshoot and resolve project challenges as they arise
• Manage direction and priority of all sample requests
• Support new item setups, including plant tests and pilot runs, ensuring the migration of products from one facility to another occurs with rigor and high quality
• Assign tasks to Technician(s) and Technologist(s) and oversee the development and testing process
• Oversee and participate in sensory and shelf life evaluations, including organoleptic assessments
• Review, approve, and manage product specifications; collaborate with Quality Assurance to ensure food safety and HACCP program requirements are met; ensure technical database is updated accordingly
• Represent R&D in key cross-functional meetings and collaborate with team members in various departments, including Marketing, Finance, Operations, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Co-Manufacturing, etc.
• Interact directly with potential and existing customers for new products
• Mentor, guide, and coach direct reports to expand their capabilities and performance
• Support food safety program, quality standards,

Qualifications (Education/Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, food engineering or similar technical field; Master’s degree preferred
• 4-5+ years in R&D product development, food and/or beverage industry
• Experience facilitating all stages of the product development life cycle
• Understanding of manufacturing equipment, their processes, and capabilities
• Knowledge of product formulations and modification techniques
• Proficient computer skills, including MS Office programs: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to organize and supervise a diverse workforce
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate with all levels and functional areas of the company
• Detail oriented with the ability to organize and prioritize, show flexibility, and multi-task to execute simultaneous projects and activities to meet objectives and deadlines
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving and constantly evolving high growth environment