Director, R&D Technical Services

The Director of Technical Services R&D Bakery, reporting to the Sr. Director R&D, is responsible for providing scientific and engineering leadership throughout the product lifecycle, from concept to market launch. Based in San Antonio, TX, this role focuses on developing standardized plant trial protocols, ensuring smooth product transitions to large-scale production, and overseeing the installation and commissioning of new equipment and equipment modification. Key duties include collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop new bakery products, optimizing manufacturing processes, maintaining effective communication, and supporting continuous improvement in plant capabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Direct and oversee the development and execution of comprehensive R&D plant trial protocols, procedures, and requirements, ensuring robust cross-functional alignment and collaboration.
• Develop new bakery buns to satisfy consumer and market needs.
• Work with R&D, operations, and QA to set processing standards that consistently achieve product targets.
• Find process gaps and improvements to narrow specification ranges and enhance target performance.
• Regularly update team members to review progress, give feedback, solve issues, and plan ahead. .
• Collaborate on developing formulations, processing parameters, and specifications to support consistent production outcomes.
• Maintain clear plant capability matrices showing current, near-term, and target proficiencies by product category.
• Develop and execute multivariable experimental protocols for plant testing. Deliver comprehensive reports detailing results and findings.
• Assist with process equipment optimization and new installations alongside Engineering, Operations CI, and R&D when needed.
• Lead and partner with Operations leadership and CI leads on margin improvement design to value margin productivity opportunities in  formulation and processing.
• Develop a comprehensive co-manufacturer product development and qualification playbook outlining the procedures for assessment, approval, and testing.
• Create professional development plans for R&D team members to support growth and skill advancement.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field – Food Science, Baking Science, Food Engineering or other related field. Advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in Food Manufacturing R&D and/or Technical Services, with significant exposure to commercial bakery products
• Relevant experience in non-food manufacturing may be considered
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement policies and procedures
• Demonstrated success in project management related to the development and commercialization of new products required
• Experience collaborating with customers, suppliers, assemblers, and co-manufacturers to develop and commercialize new products.
• Extensive experience with food manufacturing facilities, preferably in bakery processes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient use of a computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), and other related applications or software.
• Strong understanding of scientific principles and methods relevant to food product research and development
• Strong understanding of continuous improvement principles and tools
• Expert understanding of process and product interactions
• Broad knowledge of food ingredients, with expertise in grain-based foods preferred
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to assist scientists and Operations in diagnosing issues and implementing effective solutions
• Strong research, data analysis and project management skills
• Proven communication and influencing skills with cross-functional teams and external partners
• General knowledge of GMPs and AIB standards
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of associates ranging from entry level to executive level positions.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, often with competing deadlines.
• Ability to analyze complex technical problems and devise creative and effective solutions.
• Ability to effectively train and transfer knowledge to plant Operations and QA personnel.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Must be able to set priorities, delegate responsibilities, and meet timelines.
• Ability to work with multiple internal stakeholders to manage and meet expectations and demands of new product development process.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Manage multiple direct reports including but not limited to: Manager(s), Scientist(s), or other assigned staff.
• Work requires supervising and monitoring work performance of direct reports including making final decisions on hiring and disciplinary actions, evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, and realigning work and staffing assignments, as needed.
• Develop functional responsibilities of individuals that report to this position and ensure that best in-class output is created.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Typical work in office environment but will spend periods of time in manufacturing plants which will have exposure to unusual elements, such as dirt, dust, fumes, odors, darkness and/or poor lighting, noise and vibration. Seasonal exposure to weather elements to include, but not limited to, extreme temperatures, wetness and humidity.
• Must be able to lift up and carry 25 pounds at times.
• Substantial travel required (up to 50%) mostly in North America.

Expectations:

• Will demonstrate, promote, and exemplify the Company's Core Values.

At C.H. Guenther, we value transparency in compensation. By providing the salary range for this role, we aim to promote fairness and help candidates make informed choices about their career. The salary range for this role is:

$118, $226,639.00

This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as the final offer amount may vary based on factors including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, along with geographic location. C.H. Guenther is proud to offer competitive compensation and benefit programs that include medical, dental, vision, flexible savings account, health savings account, 401K matching savings plan, employee assistance program, wellness programs, life insurance, AD&D insurance,  disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan counseling, employee referral program, paid time off, and more ​

For additional information about our company, go to

C.H. Guenther & Son and its subsidiaries are E-Verify participating employers.

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All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the pre-employment screening process which includes a drug screen and review of criminal background and other records as required.

AA/EEO/Drug-Free Employer

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