Research And Development Manager

Kelly Science & Clinical is excited to connect you to this opportunity!Job Title : Research and Development Manager Food & Beverage Manufacturing

• Location : Aurora, CO 80011, United States
• Salary Range : $95K to $110K / Year (DOE)

Opportunity Overview :

Are you ready to elevate your career in manufacturing operations and help create the world’s best desserts? We are seeking a Research & Development Manager, a results-oriented leader who will oversee the execution and implementation of new and existing culinary projects, from concept to commercialization.

This role is crucial in developing products that meet taste, quality, functionality, and cost expectations while supporting the production processes that bring these creations to life.

Key Responsibilities : Lead research, formulation, and development of new products, ensuring they meet cost, time, and processing requirements.

• Design and develop ingredient and product specifications, including packaging recommendations.
• Develop and manage test / trial / FPR plans; support on-floor trials and production runs.
• Create proof-of-concept samples for new desserts or replicate existing designs for use as sales samples.
• Manage ingredient functionality, recipe formulation, and processing parameters.
• Present samples and specifications for customer presentations and obtain approvals.
• Continuously review and improve product quality through analysis of formulation and process parameters.
• Develop analytical methods and control techniques for ingredients, raw materials, and finished goods.
• Ensure plant recipes and specifications produce optimal product quality and efficiency and troubleshoot as needed.
• Provide technical support to internal teams (Procurement, Sales, QA, Ops) and customers.
• Source and investigate new ingredients / technologies with potential application in current or future products.
• Review project progress with Sr. Manager of Culinary Innovation regularly.
• Ensure compliance with Quality Management standards and provide project management support to other Culinary Developers as needed.
• Drive the internal innovation process from a culinary perspective, identifying trends and new product opportunities.
• Ensure food specifications are accurate, compliant, and up to date, including allergen identification.
• Support ingredient evaluation and ensure compliance with standards during new product trials.
• Work with sales teams and customers to develop innovative products, drive current sales, and build a future pipeline.

Qualifications :

Proven experience leading new bakery products through concept, prototyping, trialing, and commercialization, specifically within an automated, high-speed bakery environment.

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science / Food Engineering with a strong Baking Science background.
• Minimum of 5 years of bakery / food development / manufacturing experience in large facilities.
• Associate degree in Pastry Arts / Baking is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong experimental discipline focused on maximizing learning efficiently.
• Proficient in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), SharePoint, ERP systems, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Canadian and U.S. food standards and regulations.
• Strong bench work skills with the ability to implement solutions rapidly (DOE), along with a deep knowledge of raw materials.
• Experience in baking, pastry arts, R&D, and Food / Baking Science.
• Proven track record in Continuous Improvement projects.
• Chocolate experience is an asset.

Application Instructions :

Please quick apply, and a Kelly recruiter will contact you. If your skills, experience, and education do not align with this job, no worries please visit for other jobs that are active in your area.

Thank you!

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