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