Associate Principal Bakery Scientist

Flowers•Thomasville, NC

About The Position

FRESH. FORWARD. FLOWERS. Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO) is not just about baking; it's about crafting moments of joy with every delicious bite. With 2024 sales of $5.1 billion, and as one of the leading producers of packaged bakery goods in the United States, Flowers Foods brings passion to the table. From the wholesome goodness of Nature's Own and Wonder to the bold and artisanal flavors of Dave's Killer Bread, the rustic goodness of Canyon Bakehouse, and the sweet delights of Tastykake, each product is a celebration of taste and quality. Beyond the oven, Flowers Foods fosters a culture that values and reflects Honesty & Integrity, Respect & Inclusion, Sustainability, Passion, and Humility. With a commitment to innovation and a recipe for success, Flowers Foods is more than a bakery – it's a delightful journey into the heart of flavor and community. Full-time employees are offered the following benefits : Comprehensive health and medical benefits 401(k) Retirement savings plan Professional growth and leadership training Paid vacation, holidays, and parental leave Benefits may vary depending on your work location. Bringing Home the Dough Position requires a strong understanding of food science, baking science, product development, shelf life, project management and commercialization processes. This role will be responsible for leading product development for Dave’s Killer Bread line of bars. Position requires a self-driven and motivated professional who possesses solid business acumen and who is both adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced environment. Ability to proactively work on development projects while dealing with ambiguity and constant change. Position requires demonstration of competency for all on-the-job activities that may have a direct or indirect effect on product safety, legality and/or quality.

Requirements

At least 7 years of relevant progressive experience in the baking industry
Willing to travel up to 75% for work-related events
Bachelor’s degree in food science, food engineering, baking science or closely related field

Nice To Haves

7+ years of bakery industry R&D experience technology in Product Development, Manufacturing, and/or Operations.
5+ years’ significant product development and commercialization experience of baked and pressed bars.
General baking experience in breads, cakes, and cookies desired.
Experience on scale-up from lab to production is required.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with cross functional team members to deliver/execute renovation, quality improvement and cost savings projects.
Must demonstrate ability to prioritize and successfully manage multiple projects with various degrees of complexity and scope.
Follow company strategies and ensure COGS meet project hurdles
Conduct bench top formulation work, validate shelf life, lead R&D plant trials and start-ups to ensure successful product validation and execution.
Has strong knowledge and experience working on a range of bars (both baked and pressed).
Experience commercializing at contract manufacturers
Troubleshoot manufacturing inefficiencies for recently launched bar products
Demonstrate ability to solve problems, identify, collect and analyze data leading to sound results.
Provide risk assessments with contingency plans and recommendations to solve challenges & mitigate risk.
In partnership with Procurement, identify/source ingredients and leverage vendor expertise in ingredient functionality/applications. Provide clear direction and project briefs to strategic vendor partners.
Understands sensory science and how to apply consumer feedback to optimize product formulations
Present to R&D leadership and senior executives to inform of status and results of key projects.
Practice and comply with all Company policies and procedures (EEO, Harassment, Safety, Sarbanes Oxley, etc.).
Perform other duties deemed by management to be an integral part of the job, including but not limited to fulfillment of work schedules, adherence to attendance policies, and other applicable operating rules, policies and procedures