Research And Development Manager

Job Title: Research and Development Manager – New Bakery Product Development

Job Description

This role leads new bakery product development from concept through commercialization, driving innovation across mixes, fillings, icings, and frozen doughs. The position manages end-to-end R&D projects, collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, and ensures products meet food safety, labeling, and regulatory standards. The successful candidate combines strong technical expertise in food science with proven leadership and project management skills to deliver high-quality, cost-effective bakery products that perform reliably in the marketplace.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and development of new bakery products from initial concept through commercialization.
• Develop and reformulate bakery products, including dry mixes, fillings, icings, and frozen doughs, to meet customer and market needs.
• Manage multiple R&D projects simultaneously, including scoping, planning, timelines, milestones, and documentation.
• Conduct bench-top development work, plant trials, and scale-up activities to ensure successful transition from lab to production.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Quality teams to align on product requirements, customer expectations, and launch plans.
• Ensure all products comply with food safety, labeling, and regulatory standards throughout the development process.
• Monitor ingredient trends, competitive products, and cost-improvement opportunities to inform product innovation and optimization.
• Oversee sensory testing, product performance evaluation, and shelf-life assessments to validate product quality and consistency.
• Manage and mentor R&D team members, including food scientists and technicians, by providing technical guidance, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Maintain accurate and complete project records, formulas, specifications, and trial reports for current and future reference.
• Support continuous improvement of R&D processes, documentation practices, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Contribute to strategic discussions on product portfolio, innovation pipeline, and process enhancements within the R&D function.

Essential Skills

• 3–5 years of research and development management experience within the food industry.
• Proven experience in new product development from concept through commercialization.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and reformulate food products, preferably in bakery applications.
• Full understanding of ingredient functionality and the product development lifecycle.
• Experience with food regulatory compliance, including food safety and labeling requirements.
• Degree in food science, food technology, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to lead, manage, and mentor a technical team of scientists and technicians.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience in baking or bakery ingredients is a plus.
• Experience with product management and project management in a food manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with monitoring ingredient trends and competitive products to guide innovation.
• Comfort working in a dynamic environment with evolving processes and increased procedural rigor.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Quality teams.

Work Environment

This role operates within a leading bakery-focused organization at a smaller site that is undergoing significant transformation and modernization. The position reports to the Director of R&D/Product Development and oversees a team of two food scientists and two technicians. The environment combines hands-on bench-top work with plant trials and scale-up activities, requiring regular interaction with production facilities and cross-functional partners. As the site transitions from a family-owned operation to a more structured, process-driven setting, the work environment emphasizes the development and adherence to formal procedures, documentation standards, and best practices in food safety and quality. The culture supports innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, providing opportunities to shape both the product portfolio and the evolving R&D processes.

This is a Permanent position based out of Fresno, CA.

The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

Competitive pay Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance 401(k) with company match Paid holidays and paid time off

This is a fully onsite position in Fresno,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $95,000 - $120,000