R&D Special Projects Manager

Job Purpose

Independently lead and execute special projects that advance the company's R&D, manufacturing, and innovation initiatives, with a primary focus on new capital equipment, network optimization, line installations, and innovative formulation development. Serve as a versatile, hands-on contributor who can move across departments and plants to solve technical problems, scale new products and processes, and support the broader R&D and Operations organization. Drive assigned projects from concept through implementation with a high degree of autonomy and minimal oversight.

This role requires being based in our Tucker, GA or Minneapolis, MN headquarters, with relocation assistance available.

Essential Functions

• Develop, test, and scale new and modified product formulations from concept through commercial production with an emphasis on cross-category initiatives and whitespace opportunities

• Partner with Engineering and Operations to evaluate, specify, and commission new equipment; support equipment trials, line qualification, and startup troubleshooting

• Translate bench-scale and pilot formulations into commercially viable, plant-ready processes

• Act as a flexible technical resource across the R&D function, stepping in to support other projects, plants, or teams as business needs shift

• Apply creative problem-solving to formulation, process, and equipment challenges, balancing product quality, cost, and manufacturability

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Procurement, Marketing, and Plant teams to ensure projects are executed on time and meet specifications

• Conduct plant trials, scale-ups, and pilot runs; analyze results and adjust formulations or processes accordingly

• Prepare clear project documentation, timelines, budgets, and status updates for R&D leadership and cross-functional stakeholders

• Identify risks, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement within assigned projects and proactively propose solutions

• Stay current on bakery manufacturing technology, equipment, and ingredient trends, and bring forward ideas for application within the company

• Travel to plant locations as needed to support project execution, troubleshooting, and startups

• Support food safety programs, quality standards, and regulatory compliance for all products and processes

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications (Education, Experience, Competencies)

• Bachelor's degree in food science, food engineering, baking science, or a similar technical field

• 7+ years of experience in bakery product development, process/manufacturing engineering, or a closely related bakery manufacturing role

• Demonstrated expertise in bakery formulation development and scale-up from R&D to full commercial production

• Solid working knowledge of bakery manufacturing equipment and processes, with prior experience supporting new equipment or line installations preferred

• Prior experience contributing to or supporting capital (capex) projects, including equipment specification, installation, and startup, preferred

• Proven ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and drive projects to completion with limited direction

• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to build relationships and work effectively across R&D, Operations, Engineering, and other departments

• Creative, hands-on problem solver comfortable moving between hands-on bench/pilot work and plant-floor troubleshooting

• Strong organizational and project management skills; able to manage multiple concurrent projects and shifting priorities

• Proficient in MS Office programs: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Willingness and ability to travel to plant locations as needed

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C. Residents Only: The salary range for this role is $111,000 to $140,000 annually. Pay is based upon several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. Rise Baking Company complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your annual salary, Rise Baking Company offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, annual bonus eligibility, incentive and recognition programs and 401k contributions (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). At Rise Baking Company, our people are our finest ingredient.