Director, R&D Technical Services - CH Guenther & Son
Listed on 2025-10-19
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Engineering
Process Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Product Engineer, Research Scientist
Director, R&D Technical Services - CH Guenther & Son
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The Director of Technical Services R&D Bakery, reporting to the Sr. Director R&D, is responsible for providing scientific and engineering leadership throughout the product lifecycle, from concept to market launch. Based in San Antonio, TX, this role focuses on developing standardized plant trial protocols, ensuring smooth product transitions to large‑scale production, and overseeing the installation and commissioning of new equipment and equipment modification.
Key duties include collaborating with cross‑functional teams to develop new bakery products, optimizing manufacturing processes, maintaining effective communication, and supporting continuous improvement in plant capabilities.
- Direct and oversee the development and execution of comprehensive R&D plant trial protocols, procedures, and requirements, ensuring robust cross‑functional alignment and collaboration.
- Develop new bakery buns to satisfy consumer and market needs.
- Work with R&D, operations, and QA to set processing standards that consistently achieve product targets.
- Find process gaps and improvements to narrow specification ranges and enhance target performance.
- Regularly update team members to review progress, give feedback, solve issues, and plan ahead.
- Collaborate on developing formulations, processing parameters, and specifications to support consistent production outcomes.
- Maintain clear plant capability matrices showing current, near‑term, and target proficiencies by product category.
- Develop and execute multivariable experimental protocols for plant testing. Deliver comprehensive reports detailing results and findings.
- Assist with process equipment optimization and new installations alongside Engineering, Operations CI, and R&D when needed.
- Lead and partner with Operations leadership and CI leads on margin improvement design to value margin productivity opportunities in formulation and processing.
- Develop a comprehensive co‑manufacturer product development and qualification playbook outlining the procedures for assessment, approval, and testing.
- Create professional development plans for R&D team members to support growth and skill advancement.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical field – Food Science, Baking Science, Food Engineering or other related field. Advanced degree is a plus.
- Minimum of 15 years of experience in Food Manufacturing R&D and/or Technical Services, with significant exposure to commercial bakery products.
- Relevant experience in non‑food manufacturing may be considered.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement policies and procedures.
- Demonstrated success in project management related to the development and commercialization of new products required.
- Experience collaborating with customers, suppliers, assemblers, and co‑manufacturers to develop and commercialize new products.
- Extensive experience with food manufacturing facilities, preferably in bakery processes.
- Proficient use of a computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, One Note), and other related applications or software.
- Strong understanding of scientific principles and methods relevant to food product research and development.
- Strong understanding of continuous improvement principles and tools.
- Expert understanding of process and product interactions.
- Broad knowledge of food ingredients, with expertise in grain‑based foods preferred.
- Excellent problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assist scientists and Operations in diagnosing issues and implementing effective solutions.
- Strong research, data analysis and project management skills.
- Proven communication and influencing skills with cross‑functional teams and external partners.
- General knowledge of GMPs and AIB standards.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of associates ranging…
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