R&D Baker Tourier Specialist

Location: Bridgeport, Connecticut
Department: Research & Development
Reports To: R&D Director

Lead the Future of Laminated Dough Innovation

Bridor North America is a leader in premium European-style bakery products, serving some of the most recognized foodservice, retail, and quick-service restaurant brands across North America. Combining traditional baking expertise with world-class manufacturing capabilities, we continue to push the boundaries of bakery innovation.

We are seeking an experienced R&D Baker Tourier Specialist to join our Research & Development team at our Frozen Laminated Dough Manufacturing Facility in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Reporting directly to the R&D Director, this role is responsible for developing, improving, and commercializing premium laminated dough products from concept through full-scale production. This is a hands-on technical position that requires extensive expertise in laminated dough manufacturing and product development.

We are looking for a true laminated dough expert—someone with a deep understanding of croissants, Danish pastries, puff pastry, and other laminated dough products who has successfully worked within a commercial or industrial bakery manufacturing environment. This role is not intended for candidates whose experience is limited to retail bakeries, restaurants, hotels, or small artisan operations.

If you are passionate about bakery innovation, thrive in a manufacturing environment, and want to help shape the future of premium frozen laminated dough products, we invite you to join our team.

What You'll Do

Product Development & Innovation

• Develop new laminated dough products from concept through commercialization
• Improve existing products, formulations, and manufacturing processes to enhance quality, consistency, and efficiency
• Research emerging bakery trends, ingredients, technologies, and consumer preferences
• Evaluate ingredient functionality and recommend improvements to product performance

Manufacturing Support & Scale-Up

• Lead and support industrial trials, production testing, and commercialization activities
• Collaborate with Operations and Quality teams to successfully transition products from development to full-scale production
• Troubleshoot dough performance, process challenges, and product quality issues within a manufacturing environment
• Optimize formulas and production parameters to improve efficiency and product consistency

Technical Leadership

• Serve as a subject matter expert for laminated dough technology and manufacturing processes
• Apply advanced knowledge of dough development, fermentation, lamination, sheeting, butter incorporation, proofing, and baking
• Analyze product performance and recommend corrective actions when necessary
• Support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the manufacturing process

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the R&D Director and teams across Operations, Quality Assurance, Purchasing, Marketing, and Finance
• Present findings, recommendations, and project updates to internal stakeholders
• Support customer presentations, product tastings, and innovation initiatives as needed

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate product development records, formulations, specifications, and trial reports
• Conduct product evaluations, sensory testing, and competitive benchmarking
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements
• Support adherence to HACCP, GMP, FDA, and USDA standards

What You'll Bring

Required Experience

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience working with laminated dough products in a commercial or industrial bakery manufacturing environment
• Extensive experience producing and developing croissants, Danish pastries, puff pastry, and other laminated dough products
• Proven expertise in dough lamination, sheeting, folding, butter incorporation, proofing, baking, and finished product evaluation
• Experience supporting product development, industrial trials, manufacturing scale-up, and process optimization initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot product and process issues in a production environment

Education

• Diploma or degree from a recognized Baking, Pastry, Culinary Arts, Food Science, or related program

Technical Knowledge

• Advanced understanding of laminated dough technology and functionality
• Strong knowledge of bakery ingredients, dough systems, fermentation, and process controls
• Experience working with automated bakery manufacturing equipment and production processes
• Knowledge of food safety and quality systems, including HACCP and GMP

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in frozen laminated dough manufacturing
• Experience commercializing new products in a large-scale manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of FDA and USDA food manufacturing regulations
• Experience working within a research and development function

Working Conditions

• Based at Bridor's Frozen Laminated Dough Manufacturing Facility in Bridgeport, Connecticut
• Primarily day-shift schedule with flexibility to support production trials and operational needs
• Periodic travel is required to Bridor manufacturing facilities, bakeries, and innovation centers throughout North America to support product development, commercialization projects, and cross-functional collaboration
• Occasional travel to customer locations, supplier facilities, industry events, and training sessions may be required
• Combination of office, laboratory, and manufacturing plant environments

Benefits

Bridor offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family from day one.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance effective on your first day of employment
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 6% company match
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Career advancement opportunities within Bridor North America

Why Bridor?

At Bridor, innovation begins with craftsmanship. You'll join a team of passionate bakery professionals dedicated to creating world-class products while working for a company that continues to invest in growth, technology, and manufacturing excellence across North America.

This is an opportunity to work alongside industry experts, influence the development of premium bakery products, and see your ideas come to life on a large scale. If you're ready to bring your laminated dough expertise to a company that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you.