Research & Development Manager

Meet Us: King Arthur Baking Company is an award-winning, audience-leading baking company with a strategic vision to be the resource for baking education and inspiration.  Through traditional and new media, in-person and virtual education, we strive to be a leader in helping novice and expert bakers alike.  We're not going anywhere - we've been part of the family since 1790. We work to build stronger communities and increase access and the connection to real foods. We take pride in our responsible sourcing and our "never bleached" guarantee. And we work closely with farmers, millers, and suppliers in a continued commitment toward sustainability. Our wheat flour is grown and milled right here in the United States. Flour this good uses only the purest ingredients, free from GMOs.  As a founding B Corporation, we are committed to using the power of business as a force for social and environmental good. We believe every employee's contributions make our company what it is: vibrant, successful, and committed to spreading the joy of baking. We are a welcoming and inclusive 100% employee-owned company.

The Position: The Research and Development (R&D) Manager is responsible for leading the conception and development of products and recipes while managing a team to achieve organizational and team goals. Significant bench time is spent developing, evaluating, and documenting formula prototypes, evaluating competitive products, and performing and documenting quality/shelf-life tests. This role requires a combination of food science expertise, technical baking skill, creativity, strategic thinking, and leadership ability. This role is actively engaged in baking and tasting products in an environment that is not allergen free.

The Benefits: Yes, we have the regular "stuff" - medical, dental, vision, company paid short- and long-term disability, life insurance, paid time off to rest, paid holidays to have fun, a 401(K) with a company match. But here's what makes us different: 40 paid volunteer hours a year, profit sharing*, participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)* and knowing that those working with you are dedicated and engaged co-employee owners that believe in you and your extraordinary abilities to move us all forward.  

The Location: White River Junction, VT; onsite daily.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages and mentors a team of product developers
• Creates new products and recipes based on innovation briefs that meet consumer expectations and project requirements for quality, baking experience, sustainability, and cost
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to align product development outputs with marketing, operations and sales objectives.
• Proactively investigates and recommends new ingredients and product offerings, while keeping current with consumer trends and competitive products.
• Improves products or matches flavor and texture profiles while considering cost, label impact, and manufacturing efficiencies
• Supports the sales and brand marketing teams by developing written materials, providing product samples and performing product demonstrations.
• Attend plant trials and train co-packer’s quality teams on test baking protocols

Education and Experience

• 4-8 years’ experience in Food R&D
• BS in Food Science or BS in related science field with demonstrated work experience
• Strong knowledge of baking science, the chemistry of baking, and ingredient interactions
• Understanding of the Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 (food), training in sensory, basic food safety, and FDA labeling requirements
• Demonstrated skill in high-level baking processes and techniques
• Baking experience in a commercial bakery or restaurant a plus
• Culinary degree or Pastry and Baking degree a plus
• We value those who can demonstrate capability and articulate how prior experiences will help them transition into this role.

Competencies

• Innovation: Ability to think creatively, generate new ideas, and drive innovation in baking product development. Initiative to deliver innovative ideas outside of the traditional commercialization process that provide incremental avenues for growth.
• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of baking processes, ingredient functionalities, and food chemistry. Strong knowledge of Excel and Microsoft Office programs.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects, set self and team priorities, meet deadlines, and make cost-effective decisions.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey and present creative ideas and information to both industry and non-industry stakeholders through both written materials and product demonstration.
• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate a team, foster collaboration, and drive results.
• Problem Solving: Analytical and critical-thinking skills to address challenges and find practical solutions in the development process.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing priorities and thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
• Team Collaboration: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, operations (commercialization, sourcing, etc.), and sales.

Success factors for this role

• Genuine enthusiasm for the King Arthur’s mission and products and a commitment to living our values
• Is community minded gets involved, volunteers

Physical Requirements

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to regularly work in a kitchen environment where allergens may be present
• Ability to regularly touch and taste food products which may contain allergens

• Lift boxed and bagged ingredients weighing 20 pounds, heavier items with assist.
• Stand for up to 7 hours with breaks on occasion, for baking or process testing in manufacturing.
• Sit for up to 8 hours at a desk/computer

Work environment

• The day is divided between computer work in a shared cubicle and a hot kitchen/bakery.
• Occasionally work in a manufacturing facility which may be cold, hot, loud or dusty.

Safety

• Understands that safety is the responsibility of everyone at the organization.
• Responsible for providing a safe and ergonomically sound work environment, identifying unsafe conditions, and correcting these conditions immediately.
• Engages in safety and compliance training programs and encourage 100% team participation in same

Environment

• Adheres to company-wide sustainability norms and looks for ways to reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Educates oneself on KAB environmental campaigns.
• Strives to continually improve and implement new processes to reduce our environmental impact.

Travel

• Up to 5% travel

Uniform

• Business casual.

Other Duties

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

It is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive work environment through cooperative and professional interactions with co-workers, customers and vendors.

There's room at our table for you  Apply today.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors protected by law. King Arthur Flour provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities to allow them to participate in both the application process and during employment. Such individuals are encouraged to seek accommodations to allow them to apply for a position, participate in the application process, and meet the essential functions and requirements of the position. 

*Amounts vary based achievement of financial targets. Participation based on hire date and program entry date.