R&D Project Manager

Europastry USA • New Brunswick, NJ

1d • $115,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Plans and monitors the implementation of R&D projects and initiatives in all stages. This role is actively involved in the initiation, evaluation, planning, direction, execution, implementation, and reporting on activities related to the development of new products, product improvements, or cost-saving ideas.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or 5-8 years of related experience or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to travel between locations for trade shows and seminars.
• Food Safety Training conducted by a qualified staff member is mandatory.
• Must know how to recognize, prevent, and alleviate food safety hazards.
• Good working knowledge of the SQF code.
• Working knowledge of applicable laws and standards in the Food/Manufacturing industry.
• Excellent verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a huge plus.

Responsibilities

• Participates in weekly sales meetings and other necessary meetings to stay informed about company needs related to the position.
• Supervises, trains, and assigns tasks to R&D Technicians.
• Collaborates with the R&D team, Sales/Marketing, and Senior Management to identify promising areas of research or technology that address unmet consumer and customer needs and have large potential markets.
• Assists in cost reduction by generating and exploring potential savings opportunities, such as new ingredients and technological solutions.
• Assists in evaluating new products and new co-packers/co-bakers as necessary.
• Participates in the design of new products, from equipment through packing.
• Works with Suppliers' R&D teams to determine the best possible options and solutions for R&D needs.
• Constantly monitors market trends for new ingredients and technological solutions.
• Assists R&D Specialists in the creation and improvement of formulas for new and existing products.
• Communicates to R&D Specialists and the Director of R&D an overview of all products under development and their stage of development.
• Prepares R&D Meetings, takes, and distributes notes.
• Develops and implements methods and procedures for monitoring projects, including preparation of records of expenditures and research findings, and progress reports.
• Works with the Operations team on planning line tests and coordinates tests from experimental ingredient availability to shipping of samples to customers as needed.
• Initiates, investigates, and implements new formulations, process improvements, and other related projects.
• Acts as a technical consultant to all operating units of the company on formulation/processing issues related to assigned projects/products.
• Presents at initial runs of new products and works with the Operations team.
• Completes technical assessments for the evaluation of new product/process opportunities.
• Conducts organoleptic tests.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations concerning the application of new ingredient/processing equipment.
• Stays updated on technologies, bakery trends, and ingredients used by other food manufacturers by reviewing professional literature, social media, and attending seminars, webinars, and shows.
• Assists in the development and understanding of any processes new to the organization and evaluates whether portions of that process are applicable to other products/projects.
• Recommends methods to improve organoleptic quality, such as flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, convenience, or physical, chemical, and microbiological composition of foods.
• Manages the Kosher OU program, including liaison between Rabbis and the Company, and maintaining schedules for ingredients and finished goods.
• Responsible for the transition and preparation of technical information in Genesis, Theos, Specifications, Food Safety Plan, etc., for new items or improved processes, working closely with QA Specialists.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as required.
• Meets company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis.
• Performs all work-related tasks in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.
• Adheres to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior.
• Follows all Company Safety policies and all GMP regulations.
• Ensures safe food practices as part of supervisory responsibilities and as a backup.
• Is aware of issues associated with food safety and safe food handling practices relevant to the job.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level