Manager, R&D

The Manager R&D will be joining a private equity business with iconic brands, strong retail presence, and outstanding manufacturing capabilities. The role will be based in the Toledo, Ohio manufacturing facility. Developing and maintaining a strong interaction with cross-functional areas on a day-to-day basis is an important part of the position.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of food scientists and engineers
• Provide technical expertise throughout all phases of new product development (concept through commercialization)
• Provide expertise supporting technical issues in the manufacturing plant
• Provide leadership, coaching and mentoring for the technical team
• Ensure the accuracy of the technical data related to bakery products (PLM system, regulatory compliance, formulas, artwork)
• Work with Marketing to establish innovation strategy
• Partner with Operations, Planning, QA, and Procurement for commercial execution against all new products
• Recommend and implement product quality improvements based on quantitative insights
• Investigate and implement cost reduction initiatives
• Cross functional collaboration with Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, Operations
• Generate new product ideas and recipes, and review and approve new ideas

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of CPG/food R&D experience. Experience in baking categories strongly preferred:
  1. Understanding of flours and grains
  2. Understanding of grain-based products, chemical leavening, yeast leavening, ingredient functionality.
  3. Understanding of carbohydrate chemistry and fat/oil chemistry.
• Experience leading highly skilled technical teams (scientists and engineers)
• Experience using TraceGains or other Product Lifecycle Management system.
• Experience using Genesis or other nutrition labeling software.
• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science or Engineering
• Preferred: Masters Degree in Food Science, Engineering, or Business

Personal Characteristics:

• Strong leadership presence, communication skills, and ability to influence
• Great attitude and drive: Ability to roll up sleeves and get things done
• Ability to thrive in and handle ambiguity & fast paced environment
• Track record of successful people development
• Passion for food and innovation