Director of R&D

Kinsa is recruiting for an R&D Director
Location: Phoenix, AZ (Onsite, relocation assistance)

For more than 30 years, our client has produced top-quality baked goods for customers throughout North and South America. They are looking to add an R&D Director to their team. In this role, you will continue a tradition of innovation, enhancing existing products, developing new ones and ensuring that they produce the very best. Expertise in bakery research and development will be your superpower, enabling you to swiftly drive projects from prototype to market-ready solutions. You will balance market and product knowledge with a passion for hands-on bench work.

• 10+ years industrial baking experience, involving significant batter-based & laminated products. Relevant degree preferred.

Compensation/Benefits:

• $150-160K base salary plus 20% target bonus
• Medical, Dental, Vision. Life, LTD, STD
• Sick days, paid time off, holiday pay
• Relocation assistance

Key Responsibilities and Goals:

• Lead development, formulation, and production of new bakery products, ensuring alignment with company standards for quality, flavor, and performance.
• Plan, conduct, and manage plant trials to assess product feasibility and scalability.
• Collaborate with production teams to identify and resolve issues encountered during trial runs. Facilitate a smooth transition from pilot-scale development to full-scale manufacturing.
• Develop and maintain detailed product documentation.
• Research potential ingredients and suppliers to identify high-quality sourcing options.
• Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Quality Assurance, Purchasing/Inventory, and other departments to support and align new product initiatives.
• Apply project management methodologies and tools to track progress and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.

Competencies Needed for Success:

• A passion for hands-on product development, from concept to commercialization.
• Strong industrial (not artisanal) experience with batter-based products, laminated dough products, and more.
• At least 10 years of bakery manufacturing experience.
• A relevant degree is not required, but preferred.

Referrals are our best source for the top talent our clients need so if you know of anyone with these skills in the food and beverage industry, please pass me their name and email/phone number, or share this job posting with them. Kinsa pays referral bonuses if someone you refer gets hired by our client!

Check out our other food and beverage industry career opportunities at https://kinsa.com/food-beverage-industry-jobs/#!/
 Recruiter Information:
George Blomgren
georgeb@kinsa.com