What are the responsibilities and job description for the R&D Director - Baked Goods position at CSG Talent?
We are seeking a hands-on Director of R&D to lead the creation of exciting new baked goods and enhance existing favorites. In this role, you will drive product development from concept to production while ensuring quality, flavor, and cost-efficiency. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams to refine recipes, optimize processes, and bring innovative ideas to life in a commercial bakery setting.
Please note, that we are hiring this role for 2 locations with relocation assistance offered to support relocations.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the development and formulation of new baked goods, ensuring products meet internal standards for taste, texture, and overall quality.
Plan and execute small-scale and pilot plant trials to test product feasibility and scalability.
Collaborate with production teams to troubleshoot challenges and ensure smooth scale-up to full production.
Maintain detailed documentation for all products, including recipes, ingredient specifications, production instructions, and related records.
Research ingredients and suppliers to identify high-quality materials that align with product goals.
Conduct ingredient testing and quality evaluations to support product consistency.
Partner with Quality Assurance, Purchasing, and Sales teams to align product initiatives and timelines.
Provide regular updates to leadership and stakeholders on project progress, risks, and outcomes.
Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and milestones are met.
Apply project management tools and strategies to coordinate cross-functional activities.
Perform other duties as required to support the bakery's innovation and production goals.
Qualifications:
7 years of experience in commercial bakery product development.
Strong understanding of baked goods formulation, processing, and production techniques.
Degree in Food Science, Culinary Science, or related field preferred.
Proven track record of taking bakery products from concept to market-ready solutions.
Excellent communication skills and ability to lead teams.
Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving and project management abilities.