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Confidential Careers · 1 week ago

Director of Research and Development

Bellingham, WA

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$72K/yr - $96K/yr

5+ years exp

Confidential company is a growing bakery manufacturing business, and they are seeking a Director of Research & Development to lead product innovation and technical development. This role involves driving new product concepts from insight to commercialization while improving existing formulations and processes.

Human ResourcesRecruiting

Responsibilities

Lead the development of new products aligned with consumer trends, customer needs, and brand strategy

Translate consumer, customer, and market insights into actionable product concepts

Own and manage the R&D innovation pipeline from ideation through commercialization

Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Leadership to support customer-specific innovation and line extensions

Develop and optimize formulations for cookies, crackers, and baked snack products

Ensure scalability from bench-top to full-scale production

Lead trials and scale-ups, including pilot and first-run production

Optimize texture, flavor, shelf life, and cost without compromising quality

Evaluate and implement ingredient alternatives based on supply, cost, and functionality

Demonstrate strong understanding of commercial baking and snack equipment (mixers, sheeters, laminators, ovens, cutters, depositors, packaging lines, etc.)

Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance to optimize processes and throughput

Support equipment selection, commissioning, and capability expansion to enable new product platforms

Troubleshoot production challenges and provide technical solutions

Work closely with Quality, Operations, Procurement, Sales, and Marketing to ensure successful launches

Partner with Quality to ensure formulations meet regulatory, allergen, and labeling requirements

Support cost savings and margin improvement initiatives in collaboration with Finance and Supply Chain

Act as a key technical voice in customer meetings, presentations, and plant tours

Foster an environment of collaboration, accountability, and enthusiasm

Encourage professional development and technical growth within the team

Serve as a positive, hands-on leader who is comfortable both in the lab and on the plant floor

Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting timelines and business objectives

Ensure accurate documentation, formulation control, and change management

Maintain clear communication and reporting to leadership on project status and risks

Qualification

Food ScienceR&D experienceProduct commercializationFood manufacturing equipmentFormulation expertiseCross-functional communicationTeam leadershipProject management