Senior R&D Manager - Baked Goods

A leading baked goods manufacturer is seeking a Senior Manager, Research & Development to join its team in Texas. This role will oversee a team of technical professionals while driving innovation, product commercialization, and process improvements across the business. The successful candidate will play a key role in scaling new products, optimizing costs, and supporting plant operations, while also enhancing current product offerings.

Please note, this is an on-site role, located in the Northern Houston region. Relocation assistance is offered to candidates who require relocation.

What You'll Do

• Oversee multiple R&D projects simultaneously, guiding them through a structured commercialization framework while balancing risk, cost, and operational feasibility.
• Drive initiatives aimed at improving commercialization outcomes, increasing efficiency, reducing expenses, and accelerating time-to-market.
• Provide clear updates on project progress using data, performance metrics, and regular team communication.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams such as Quality, Operations, Engineering, and Procurement to address challenges and support business growth.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing R&D team, including setting objectives, evaluating performance, and identifying development opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for innovation through ingredient functionality, formulation adjustments, and process enhancements.
• Assess and communicate technical and commercial risks to senior leadership.
• Support customer-facing technical discussions related to product capabilities and manufacturing processes.
• Contribute to process design and improvements tied to capacity expansion, cost optimization, and operational efficiency.
• Manage R&D priorities to ensure accuracy, consistency, and integrity of data and processes.

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field, with a strong emphasis on baking science.
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in bakery or food product development within a manufacturing setting, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of bringing new products from concept through full-scale production.
• Strong understanding of formulation, ingredient functionality, and raw materials.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Familiarity with business tools such as Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and ERP systems.
• Knowledge of U.S. food regulations and industry standards.
• Hands-on development skills with the ability to move quickly from concept to execution.
• Background in baking, pastry, or food science innovation environments.
• Flexibility to support extended hours during production trials or scale-ups.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% as needed.