Job Description

Research & Development Technician/Manager

Location: Greater Cleveland / Akron, OH area | Travel up to 30–40%

About the Company

We are a rapidly growing, private-equity backed specialty bakery platform with multiple production facilities across the United States. Our products include cookies, pastries, laminated doughs, cinnamon rolls, biscotti, and authentic international bakery items. The company employs more than 500 people and is continuing to expand through acquisitions and product innovation.

Backed by a leading private equity firm with over $60 billion in assets under management , our organization is focused on scaling operations, modernizing production, and building a long-term platform in the specialty baked goods category.

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on R&D Technician/Manager to join our growing research and development team at our Northeast Ohio headquarters. This is a practical, execution-driven role where you will take product concepts—whether clean-label reformulations, seasonal flavors, or customer-driven briefs—and scale them from benchtop testing to full commercial production across our bakery network.

This is not a “blue-sky innovation” position. Instead, you’ll work directly with plant managers and cross-functional teams to translate ideas into scalable, commercially viable products that meet customer needs and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Scale products from small lab batches to large-scale plant runs across multiple bakeries.
• Support clean-label initiatives, including removing artificial dyes and reformulating recipes .
• Conduct plant trials and collaborate with operations to ensure commercialization success.
• Partner with Sales, Procurement, and QA to align recipes, specifications, and ingredient sourcing.
• Perform basic lab tests (pH, water activity, viscosity) and interpret third-party results.
• Document ingredient specifications, Nutrition Facts Panels, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Travel (30–40%) to bakeries nationwide to adapt products to local equipment and collaborate with plant managers.

What We’re Looking For

• R&D experience with a food manufacturer; bakery background strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of baking technology; laminated or yeast-raised dough experience a plus.
• Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, and food safety standards.
• Comfort with basic lab and kitchen equipment (mixers, ovens, pH meters, etc.).
• Strong communication skills; able to collaborate with plant managers and cross-functional teams.
• Hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves mindset—this is a practical lab and production environment.
• Degree in Food Science, Culinary, or related field preferred (not required with strong experience).

Why Join Us?

• Growth Story: Be part of a fast-growing bakery platform that is acquiring and modernizing facilities nationwide.
• Impact: Your work will directly shape new product launches and customer offerings.
• Team Culture: Join a small, collaborative R&D group that shares knowledge and supports one another.
• Variety: Work on a wide range of bakery products across multiple facilities with unique equipment.
• Career Development: Significant opportunities for growth as the company continues to expand.

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