We're seeking an experienced and innovative Research & Development Manager to lead our West Coast R&D team, based in the Los Angeles area. The position will be responsible for overseeing the development of baked nutritional bar products in addition to cold slab bar and baked wafer bar products. The primary focus areas are developing innovative new concepts for brands with which we partner, improving existing formulations, leading plant trials / commercialization and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. This role requires a combination of technical expertise, creativity, and strong project management skills.
Definition of Success
A food science manager that provides technical support both at the benchtop and plant level. Focus on leading new product pipeline projects and formulation initiatives with attention on building relationships with new customers and working collaboratively across all functions of the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Manage the day-to-day R&D functions on the West coast (currently three facilities with an active buildout of a fourth facility)
Support sales teams’ initiatives vetting out full development briefs to streamline benchtop prototyping
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project timelines and budgets
Maintain accurate documentation of product development processes, formulations and test results
Prioritize, lead, and manage plant trials
Stay abreast of new ingredient developments as well as processing and equipment advances applying them to enhance project work
Troubleshoot challenges in formulation and process that are mindful of product safety, people safety, and economics
Participate in sensory evaluation to drive decisions that are best for our customers
Ability to create new products utilizing Genesis as a formulation tool
Ability to taste and screen ingredients and finished products without dietary limitations
Key Competencies
Customer Focus: Understands and monitors the needs of internal and external customers
Adaptable / Flexible: Open to change in response to new information, different or unexpected circumstances
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work in a dynamic team environment
Self-Starter: Takes initiative in developing programs to conform with set standards, focusing on continual improvement
Problem-Solving: Prevents and solves issues from a technical prospective, understand and mitigates problems, recognizes cause and effect relationships between functions
People Management: Ability to manage day to day tasks of food scientists
Project and Time Management: Plans tasks and deliverables accurately, prioritizes tasks and adapts as needed and is responsive to requests and accountable for actions
Qualifications
4-year degree in food science or other science-based field
8-12 years’ experience in product development
3 plus year experience managing a product development team
Effective interpersonal and written communication skills
Strong working knowledge of the food industry
Excellent problem-solving skills
Experience with formulating protein bars, baked products and / or confections
Excellent organizational and prioritization skills
Ability to speak Spanish preferred
Proficient in MS Office suite including Excel and PowerPoint
Working knowledge of Genesis
Company Description
Bar Bakers is a contract manufacturer of baked goods in the natural and organic markets assisting development of the nation’s best products. We produce a wide range of products for category-leading brands. We believe in business partnerships, with collaboration and open lines of communication. Our dedication, value and expertise are the keystones of our business.
Bar Bakers is a contract manufacturer of baked goods in the natural and organic markets assisting development of the nation’s best products. We produce a wide range of products for category-leading brands. We believe in business partnerships, with collaboration and open lines of communication. Our dedication, value and expertise are the keystones of our business.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
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