Job Description

Have an appetite for more?

Join a leading global bakery group powered by ambitious people who are truly passionate about delivering the best in everything they do.

With business in mind and people at heart we always work together to influence our road ahead. We want you to be part of our growth journey and of a great, global family.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research & Development Manager - Bread to join our Lantmännen Unibake USA team located in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Come be part of an exciting, Global organization whose Vision is towards billions of smiling tummies through our Mission of leading the bakery business sustainably with the scale, knowledge and drive to be loved in every country. Voted Great Place to Work three consecutive years with 90% of employees at Lantmannen Unibake USA saying it is a great place to work! Ranked #15 in the US for 2025 Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production for Small & Medium Sized Business by Fortune Best Places to Work in 2025.

Candidate MUST live in the St. Petersburg area, or be willing to relocate.

Job Description:

The function of the Marketing team encompasses four main areas: 1) consumer and market insights and data analysis, 2) internal and external communications [media, public relations, etc.], 3) product category management, and 4) research & development (R&D) on existing and new products as part of the innovation process. The R&D Manager – Bread leads the development of artisan bread products, overseeing all aspects of product formulation, testing, and commercialization. This role requires deep technical expertise in the development and manufacturing of artisan breads and laminated doughs, strong project management skills, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally with the Sales, Operations, Quality, and Finance teams. As the R&D Manager – Bread, you will lead the Research & Development department with a focus on innovation, quality, and efficiency in bread product development. This includes managing an R&D Associate and ensuring all new and existing products are developed and maintained in a timely and accurate manner.

Essential Functions:

1. Manage complex and multi-disciplined product development projects with minimal supervision. This includes ensuring objectives, budgets, and timelines are met.
2. Document work at various stages of the NPD “stage-gate” process as stipulated in the established process; ensure required documentation is provided for weekly “Category Table” meetings focused on making key decisions at various process gates.
3. Proactively manage challenges that arise in daily activities, including (but not limited to) ingredient sourcing, formulation adjustments, and process improvements.
4. Lead and manage the development of new recipes in support of innovation and new product development initiatives.
5. Adjust recipes as needed to optimize the profitability of existing portfolio items.
6. Develop, prepare, and present bench samples to test new recipes and formulations.
7. Manage cross-functional team in the execution of all line trials in order to test bench recipes and establish optimal settings for new items on the manufacturing lines.
8. Assist in the identification of new and unique concepts/ingredients/formulas/prototypes as part of the “ideation” and “creation” stages of the NPD (new product development process).

Additional Responsibilities:

• Participate in annual trade shows (NACS & IDDBA) and assist in the cross-functional preparation and execution of such shows.
• Stay informed of industry changes and developments (competitors, products, tactics, etc.).
• Perform other related duties as requested or assigned.

Best Practices

• Support production teams during scale-up, trials, and troubleshooting to ensure smooth transitions from concept to commercialization.
• Identify, analyze and interpret data as needed to perform essential duties, and independently provide detailed directions to development projects.

Regulatory & Safety

• Maintain all product nutritional information with R&D Associate for all Breads, Danish, Croissants and Pretzel products.
• Ensure all products meet food safety and quality standards as outlined by BRC and other relevant certifications.
• Communicate with sister companies for all products that are imported to the USA for nutritional information, product specs, etc.
• Stay up-to-date with the nutritional software, Genesis, and ensure that the R&D Associate is receiving proper training.
• Observe safety and security procedures; determine appropriate action beyond guidelines; report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment and materials properly.

Core Competencies:

• Project Management – Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, adjust to shifting priorities, and collaborate with other departments.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; sets goals and objectives; organizes and/or assigns tasks to cross-functional team members as part of project management; develops realistic action plans.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills – Understands commercial baking principles and utilizes knowledge and experience in baking to develop and test recipes. The R&D Manager – Bread must be able to assess ingredients, processes, and product performance using sound judgment and practical problem-solving.
• Interpersonal Skills - Maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; gives and welcomes feedback; puts success of the team above own interests; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and seeks clarification; actively participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• BA/BS required in Food Science, Culinary Arts or related field
• 10 – 15 years of experience in artisan bread product development; laminated dough experience preferred
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality and bakery formulations
• Experience with commercial bakery equipment such as Mecatherm, Rheon, and Koenig lines.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and documentation skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• High level of professionalism, adaptability, and ethical standards
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, and an ERP system
• Bi-lingual English and Spanish speaking skills preferable but not required.
• Strong sense of urgency; self-motivated
• Ability to travel as needed

Certificates and Licenses:

No certifications needed.

Work Environment:

The work environment described here is representative of what an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); extreme cold (non-weather) and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands 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.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

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