R & D Manager at Hearthside Food Solutions LLC in Kentwood, Michigan

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

The R&D Manager is a cross functional leadership position that requires a self-motivated, technically experienced, customer focused candidate who will work with Operations across four plants in the Grand Rapids area. Comfortable in formulating products that will go through existing and new Hearthside Foods Solutions (HFS) processes to the Bars, Bakery & overall Snack market. The R&D Manager provides technical expertise, leadership and execution in the development and commercialization of new products for multiple plant locations within Grand Rapids and will assist others within the greater HFS organization as required. This candidate requires creativity, innovative thinking, interpersonal effectiveness, effective project management skills, a depth of technical food processing knowledge and the ability to collaborate with other professionals locally and domestically to achieve common goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Project Management :
  
  
  • Manages the Bars and Bakery product development process, from initial concept and ingredient sourcing through pilot testing, scale-up, first production and product life cycle maintenance
  • Leads projects for key customers and for Private Label initiatives to en sure projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet both internal and external customer expectations
  • Sets goals, specifications and manages full-scale production plant trials
  • Works closely in cross-functional teams including Operations, Quality, Regulatory and Food Safety to design food products that meet nutrition guidelines, claims on pack and can be produced across the four Grand Rapids plants or elsewhere domestically
  • Upon completion of successful trials this R&D Manager will then turnover the production phase to Operations with set specifications, process instructions, appropriate yields and run rates
  • Drives improvements in production processes to ensure consistency, efficiency, and waste reduction in manufacturing across production lines and products
  • Understands the business need, designs, implements tests, analyzes data, draws conclusions, documents, communicates results, and commercializes products
  • Positively and proactively interacts with customers, prospects, R&D management and all colleagues to keep projects on track. Constructive technical relationship building, trust and communication skills are key to success in this role
  • Travels and collaborates with plant personnel throughout the four Grand Rapids production facilities on issues with new and existing processes
  • This position requires an individual to balance multiple assignments/tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability to work independently

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  Leadership :
  
  
  • Collaborates cross functionally within platform teams (Bars, Bakery, Packaging), suppliers, and manufacturing facilities
  • This senior role involves managing projects from concept, through commercialization and launch, ensuring that all products meet quality, safety, and market standards
  • Mentors and provides technical guidance to junior product developers across platforms, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment
  • Identifies and evaluates food trends that supports the business vision and customer strategy within a rolling 2-year horizon
  • Has a working knowledge of what HFS food processing lines are capable of manufacturing in time

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  Product Development & Innovation :
  
  
  • Drives improvements in existing product lines by optimizing formulations, improving quality, enhancing nutritional value, or reducing costs
  • Leads bench, pilot plant and production trials to optimize formulations
  • Creates innovative Bars and Bakery related products, within targeted costs for Private Label and for key customers, which can get produced commercially on the HFS manufacturing lines across multiple HFS plants that will help drive revenue growth
  • Drives co-manufacturing developments for key customers through the promotion of our manufacturing services and capabilities. This includes developing product concepts, specifying ingredients, process parameters, developing ingredient statements and calculated nutritional statements through formulation software, hands-on experimentation and sample production, ordering analysis of samples to be sent to a third-party lab, and sample validation before shipping to HFS R&D management and customers
  • Translates market trends and the consumer/business needs into innovative products and packages that can be commercialized in a fast-paced environment

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  Ingredient Sourcing & Research :
  
  
  • Has in depth knowledge of suppliers, food manufacturers, trends, technological advancements, and ingredient innovations, incorporating them into product development
  • Influences, manages projects/people, and solves problems effectively and efficiently
  • Brings an entrepreneurial spirit and growth mindset with new ingredients to reduce formulation material costs

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  Cost and Process Optimization :
  
  
  • Drives improvements in production processes to ensure consistency, efficiency, and waste reduction in manufacturing
  • Proactively works with Procurement and suppliers to source innovative ingredients that align with product goals and enhance margin
  • Develops scalable product formulations and collaborate with Operations and Engineering teams to ensure successful large-scale production
  • Works very closely with Operations and Supply Chain teams to optimize product cost without compromising on quality
  • Provides training and support to Operations staff on new recipes and processes

• 
  Product Testing & Quality Control :
  
  
  • Conducts testing to ensure product quality, safety, consistency and regulatory compliance
  • Drives Sensory evaluations and consumer testing to ensure products meet desired standards
  • Tests products for shelf life, storage stability, and packaging suitability

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  Customer & Market Focus :
  
  
  • Stays up-to-date on Bars and Bakery trends and competitive products
  • Stays up-to-date with industry developments, ingredients, and emerging technologies
  • Engages with customers and marketing teams to ensure that products meet consumer preferences and brand positioning
  • Attends industry conferences, trade shows, and meetings with customers while identifying market needs and new business opportunities
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  Regulatory & Compliance :
  
  
  • Collaborates with the Regulatory team to ensure all product formulations comply with food safety regulations and labeling standards
  • Works with Legal and Regulatory teams to manage product claims, certifications (e.g., gluten-free, organic), and ingredient transparency

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  Collaboration :
  
  
  • Ability to manage a high-volume workflow in a fast paced, action-oriented environment
  • Acts as a mentor to other parts of the organization for best-in-class R&D project management methods, tools and leadership
  • Works closely with cross-functional teams including Business Development, Supply Chain, and Packaging to develop products that meet the company's goals
  • Communicates findings, challenges, and solutions effectively with stakeholders at various levels on regular intervals

• Leadership in R&D and collaboration cross functionally
• Advanced knowledge of commercial Bars and Bakery production equipment and processes preferred
• Proven experience in developing and scaling up Bars and Bakery products in a commercial setting
• Strong knowledge of Bars and Bakery science, ingredients and processing equipment
• Excellent project management, critical thinking, organizational , and leadership skills
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, SAP (or other ERP software), PLM Software (Genesis/Product Vision)
• Familiarity with regulatory standards, nutritional labeling, and product safety protocols
• Expertise in managing cross-functional teams and leading projects
• A desire to drive your future and accelerate your career while coaching and mentoring others

• Bachelors Degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Agricultural Science or Culinary Arts with minimum of 10+ years of experience successfully commercializing products
• 5 plus years of experience in Bars & Bakery product development is preferred, or from a similar product platform, with a track record of successful product launches

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Downers Grove, IL we are a world-class contract manufacturer producing wholesome baked goods, snacks and packaged foods for many of the world's leading food companies. As one of the largest and fastest growing food co-manufacturing companies in the US, we are the proud owner and operator of over 35 facilities globally. Our nearly 10,000 employee-strong organization is leading the way and setting new standards for quality, safety, flexibility and efficiency while feeding families around the globe.

Hearthside's exceptional growth stems from its ability to address real-world problems for customers of all shapes and sizes, and by our resolute commitment to our belief that there are no great companies without great culture. Our culture of personal empowerment enables growth, learning, and continuous improvement every day!
We are steadfast in our ambition to be the indispensable and most trusted partner to our customers and need your help to do it! Join Hearthside and enjoy a competitive package, outstanding benefits and a diverse work environment.
Hearthside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.