Bakery Process & Product Scientist

At Richelieu Foods, we are dedicated to a culture of belonging for everyone. Driven by our values of ownership, respect, and growth, we put people, safety, and quality above all else -- delicious pizza, outstanding service, and solid customer relationships are what happens as a result! Richelieu Foods, Inc. is a leading national private label and contract packing food manufacturer focused on frozen pizza. We have two manufacturing facilities located in IL and WI. We provide products to many national retailers, wholesalers, distributors, club and mass stores, as well as industrial accounts including other food manufacturers. JOB SUMMARY: The Bakery Process & Product Scientist serves as the critical technical bridge between R&D, Quality, and high-volume bakery manufacturing operations. This role applies food science, baking chemistry, and manufacturing process principles to diagnose and resolve product and process issues encountered on the production line. The role ensures products developed in R&D can be successfully scaled, stabilized, and consistently produced in a fast-paced automated manufacturing environment while meeting quality, food safety, and cost targets. Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Manufacturing, this position spends significant time on the production floor, partnering directly with line leaders, operators, and quality teams to troubleshoot real-time baking, texture, appearance, and shelf-life challenges. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Food Science & Quality Assurance Apply food science principles to improve dough rheology, fermentation, baking processes, and product stability. Conduct research on new ingredients and technologies to improve product quality, shelf-life, and nutritional value. Collaborate with R&D teams to support new product development and process validation. Conduct sensory evaluations and shelf-life studies to maintain product integrity. Lead product trials and scale-up processes from lab to production, addressing any issues that arise. Quality, Food Safety, & Documentation Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure compliance with food safety, GMPs, and regulatory standards Maintain and monitor robust food safety programs Support root cause analysis for customer complaints or internal quality failures Contribute to technical documentation including Process standards Critical control parameters Technical troubleshooting guides Manufacturing and Line Support Serve as the technical expert on bakery line, supporting day-to-day production issues related to: Dough development and handling Proofing and fermentation behavior Oven performance, heat transfer, and bake profiles Product texture, structure, and moisture Collaborate with Manufacturing team to diagnose and resolve in-process product defects Partner with Manufacturing team to optimize line parameters, set points, and changeovers Ensures that tasks and functions are performed in a safe manner that upholds expectations throughout the production and packaging processes. Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement Utilize Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste and improve efficiency. Implement data-driven process controls for temperature, humidity, and ingredient ratios. Drive automation initiatives and integrate advanced technologies for real-time monitoring. Support CAPA investigations related to product quality deviations Compliance & Reporting In partnership with Divisional Safety, ensure Factory meets OSHA requirements and continually improving safety through TRIR, LTIR, by addressing both physical safety issues as well as unsafe employee behaviors. Maintain and improve housekeeping in all areas. Maintain accurate production records, batch logs, and regulatory documentation. Prepare KPI reports on yield, efficiency, waste reduction, and quality metrics for senior leadership. Ensure adherence to environmental and sustainability standards. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & COMPETENCIES: Highly effective network collaboration skills, able to work and coordinate efficiently across several business functions and key stakeholders Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of skill and experience internally, suppliers and customers Ability to influence without direct authority, delivering results in partnership with and through people Strong organizational and planning abilities and excellent analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills Unwavering integrity and honesty at all times. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Comfortable being hands-on in the plant with demonstrated success in building credibility and respect with manufacturing team for practical, applicable solutions Ability to translate science into operator-friendly guidance EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or relevant professional experience. Minimum of seven (7) years food manufacturing experience, at least 4 in commercial or industrial bakery manufacturing Strong knowledge of ingredient functionality, baking chemistry, and microbiology. Working knowledge of quality and safety regulatory standards Demonstrated success supporting live production environments Working knowledge of and experience using Six Sigma & Lean Manufacturing techniques preferred Bilingual preferred Universal Pay Verbiage: The following information is provided in accordance with certain state and local laws. Compensation depends on experience, geographic locations, and other factors permitted by law. The expected compensation for this role is between $120,000 and $145,000. This role is also eligible for an annual incentive plan bonus. Benefits for this role include medical, dental, and vision insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, retirement benefits, paid time off, 401K with company match, short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance. Richelieu Foods, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Created: 2026-03-04