Manager Technical Services

Job Details:

Job Summary This role provides leadership and technical direction for Research and Development Technical Services at assigned manufacturing facilities and co-manufacturers. The R&D Technical Service Manager serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for assigned processes and acts as the owner of manufacturing instructions. The position leads plant commercialization, process validation, and continuous improvement initiatives while partnering cross-functionally with R&D Scientists, Operations, Engineering, Quality, and external suppliers.

The role ensures safe, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing execution while supporting business growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities Serve as the subject matter expert for assigned manufacturing processes and products

Own and maintain manufacturing instructions (MI), including equipment, process settings, and cook/oven parameters

Lead and oversee process validation, plant trials, and successful commercialization activities

Support first production, new product introductions, and ongoing plant execution

Provide technical support to manufacturing teams for problem resolution and operational challenges

Lead structured problem-solving for product quality and manufacturing issues using data analysis and plant trials

Partner with R&D Scientists to ensure manufacturability and process capability during product development

Execute and support cross-qualifications, specification change qualifications, and line validations

Support new line start-ups, automation projects, repatriations, co-manufacturing transitions, and new plant start-ups Drive process improvements, specification optimization, and cost-reduction initiatives

Apply food science and process technology principles to improve yield, quality, and consistency

Support capital planning by advising on equipment selection, design, and resource needs

Collaborate with engineering teams and external equipment suppliers to evaluate and validate new technologies

Conduct routine manufacturing instruction audits to ensure accuracy and data integrity

Utilize systems such as NPD, Global Specification Management (GSM), and Dev Ex proficiently

Support data and digital initiatives, including MI design and cleansing for enterprise platforms

Travel as needed to support assigned and unassigned facilities based on business priorities

Lead or support special projects and other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education BS, MS or PhD in Food Science, Meat Science, Food Engineering or related field. No degree with minimum of 5 years relevant experience.

Experience Minimum of 5 years of experience in food manufacturing, R&D, technical services, or process engineering

Bakery manufacturing experience is a plus Demonstrated experience supporting plant commercialization, process validation, and manufacturing operations

Experience working with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment

Computer Skills Proficient in Microsoft Office or equivalent software

Experience with manufacturing systems, data platforms, and digital tools preferred

Communication Skills Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

Effective collaboration and stakeholder engagement capabilities

Special Skills &

Physical Requirements Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Ability to work independently while influencing cross-functional teams

Solid understanding of food processing equipment and manufacturing systems

Willingness to travel to manufacturing facilities as required

Ability to work in manufacturing environments, including lifting up to 40 pounds and exposure to plant conditions

Supervisory Responsibilities Management and supervisory responsibilities may be applicable, depending on assignment

Travel

Travel required based on plant assignment and business needs (may exceed 25%)All professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs. Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI.

People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team…