Bakery Technical Services Specialist (R&D)

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery,LLC•Tarboro, NC

11d

About The Position

The Technical Services Specialist serves as an embedded R&D technical resource within a bakery, connecting product and process expertise with successful manufacturing execution. This individual contributor independently leads assigned bakery technical activities and works closely with Bakery Operations, R&D, FSQA, Engineering, Supply Chain, Continuous Improvement/TPM, and other cross-functional teams. The role supports trials and commercialization, day-to-day production, process and equipment changes, supply challenges, cost savings, and continuous improvement. The specialist translates technical knowledge into repeatable manufacturing processes and sustainable bakery capability. Responsibilities include leading assigned product and process trials; supporting CQV and validation; partnering with R&D Developers and Packaging Engineers to establish product and process specifications; supporting first production; and conducting process optimization, structured troubleshooting, root cause analysis, documentation, standard work development, and technical training. Acting as a technical liaison between R&D and the bakery, the specialist identifies improvement opportunities, leads assigned commercialization and value-creation initiatives, and recognizes manufacturing risks and capability gaps. The role partners with Technical Services leadership and senior technical colleagues when needed to address complex challenges, contributes to common technical practices, and implements approved standards within the bakery. Through knowledge transfer and technical problem solving, the specialist helps improve production readiness, reduce operational risk and variability, and support the long-term success of products and processes. There are no required direct reports. The position requires approximately 0–10% travel and the ability to walk facilities and grounds safely and effectively.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of work experience in a manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively across multiple organizational levels.
Strong organizational, project management, and team leadership skills.
Ability to influence and drive alignment without direct authority.
Excellent problem-solving, root cause analysis, and data analysis skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
Strong computer skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Must be able to wear personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, ear plugs, bump cap, hair net, steel toe rubber boots, autoclave gloves, and goggles.
May be required to work in hot or cold environments with varying noise levels.
Must be able to stand, walk, bend, push, or pull for the duration of a shift, which may last up to 12 hours.
Must be able to support flexible production schedules, including occasional shift coverage or specific trial schedules.
May be required to lift up to 50 pounds.
May work in production or warehouse storage areas.
May be required to climb ladders or stairs.
Must be able to safely and effectively walk facilities and grounds.

Nice To Haves

Technical degree in Food Science, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or a related field preferred.
Experience in bakery production, bakery QA, or food manufacturing is highly recommended.
Experience with manufacturing, ERP, and PLM systems preferred.
Project management training or experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with R&D and cross-functional teams to align assigned bakery technical activities with project objectives, supporting new product introductions, reformulations, and supply chain improvement initiatives.
Partner with R&D Developers and Packaging Engineers to translate formulas, product requirements, and packaging requirements into repeatable manufacturing processes.
Coordinate trial planning and prework, aligning objectives, materials, documentation, resources, timing, and success criteria.
Lead assigned investigations of product and process issues using structured problem-solving, data collection, root cause analysis, and sustainable corrective actions; engage technical leadership and senior colleagues for advanced support on complex or recurring issues.
Identify manufacturing risks, process gaps, and opportunities to improve product consistency, process capability, efficiency, and production readiness; recommend actions and escalate issues requiring broader assessment or decisions.
Support Continuous Improvement and TPM initiatives by providing product and process expertise, contributing to technical milestones and success metrics, and verifying that improvements remain effective in bakery execution.
Provide technical support for equipment changes, line modifications, product transfers, commissioning, and capital projects, with early involvement when product or process capability may be affected.
Support ingredient and supplier changes, material shortages, cost-savings initiatives, and other supply continuity needs through technical evaluation and validation.
Develop, maintain, and improve technical documentation and standard work, including Manufacturing Instructions, Batch Sheets, Bakery Specifications, EXP BOMs, OPLs, SOPs, and other manufacturing standards.
Coordinate alignment of formulas, BOMs, specifications, and manufacturing information across applicable business systems, including Optiva and NetSuite.
Partner with FSQA and Operations to establish product and process acceptance criteria, including specifications, photo standards, sensory expectations, and other measurable requirements.
Develop and deliver technical training and knowledge transfer to bakery teams across shifts as needed, including product, process, mixing, and equipment-related training.
Capture and share learnings across products, projects, and bakeries; contribute to common technical practices and apply relevant improvements within assigned bakeries.
Communicate project objectives, status, risks, timelines, decisions, and technical requirements to Technical Services leadership, bakery leadership, and cross-functional partners.
Perform other duties as assigned.