Director of Research Development Job at Cafe Valley, Inc., Phoenix, AZ

cnBlTDdZTVNOTGM5NVJpTVRwT2N2UFlLMlE9PQ==
  • Cafe Valley, Inc.
  • Phoenix, AZ

Job Description

Who is Cafe Bakery

Since 1987, the team at Cafe Valley has produced muffins, bundt cakes, ring cakes, turnovers, and croissants for our customers throughout the United States and across the world. Our products are made with high-quality ingredients and crafted with care. We strive to maintain a positive work environment and foster a culture of teamwork and innovation.

Who You Are

The Research & Development Director supports Café Valley by creating innovative products, enhancing existing ones, and refining the manufacturing processes to ensure we produce the very best. Expertise in bakery research and development will be your superpower, enabling you to swiftly drive projects from prototype to market-ready solutions. Heavy hands-on benchtop work as an individual contributor who is part of a collective team.

Location

This position works on-site 5 days a week. Relocation is provided.

What You Will Get

  • Competitive salary
  • Paid time off
  • 401(k) plan with generous match
  • Benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and other supplemental coverages

What You Will Do

  • Own the development, formulation, and build of new bakery products, ensuring they meet company standards for quality, taste, and functionality
  • Plan, execute, and oversee plant trials (sample runs) to evaluate the viability and scalability of new products in the manufacturing environment
  • Collaborate with manufacturing teams to address and resolve any issues that arise during trial runs
  • Ensure successful transition from pilot scale to full-scale production
  • Prepare and maintain comprehensive product documentation, including vendor briefs, plant trial briefs, finished product specifications, ingredient lists, and Bills of Materials (BOMs)
  • Ensure all product documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and meets regulatory and quality standards
  • Research new product ingredients and suppliers to source high-quality materials
  • Conduct ingredient evaluations and quality assessments
  • Work closely with Marketing, Quality Assurance, Purchasing/Inventory, and other departments to ensure alignment and support for new product initiatives
  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders to provide updates on project status and resolve any issues that arise
  • Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines and milestones are met
  • Utilize project management tools and techniques to track progress and coordinate activities
  • Perform all related duties as required; related duties may not be specifically listed but are within the general occupational responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work

What You Need to Be Successful

  • Ability to work with or around bakery allergens of all types
  • At least 10 years of R&D experience in bakery manufacturing
  • Work experience as a professional pastry chef/baker in large-scale bakery manufacturing
  • Demonstrated technical achievement in the development of laminated dough (i.e., croissants) and batter-based products (i.e., muffins) for the bakery service and in-store bakery markets
  • AIB certification in baking
  • Strong understanding of bakery formulation, ingredient functionality, and bakery processing
  • Excellent project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects and ability to meet deadlines
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and departments
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with product development software and tools

Cafe Valley is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Job Tags

Work experience placement, Relocation package,

Similar Jobs

Insight Global

Building Maintenance Technician Job at Insight Global

A non-profit in San Antonio, Texas is looking for a Building Maintenance Technician III/Electrician to join their team. This person will report on-site each day performing or assisting in general repairs and maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment. Primary responsibilities...

ROCS Grad Staffing

Call Center Representative Job at ROCS Grad Staffing

 ...with changes in insurance policies and procedures to provide accurate information to customers. Qualifications: MUST have 1 year or more of experience in a medical insurance call center environment. Specifically, a candidate who has worked for Aetna, Blue Cross... 

Hyundai Rotem USA

Junior Engineer Job at Hyundai Rotem USA

 ...Engineer to support the execution of rolling stock projects in the Philadelphia area. This hybrid role requires the flexibility to work from home, with on-site presence expected during inspections, welding operations, and other critical field activities. The position will... 

Pratt & Whitney

Electronics Technician - Off Shift Job at Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney is working to once again transform the future of flightdesigning, building and servicing engines unlike any the world has ever seen. And because transformation begins from within, were seeking the people to drive it. So, calling all curious. Come ...

MyCHN

Grant Writer Job at MyCHN

 ...place for you! As a nonprofit organization providing essential Medical, Dental, Behavioral Health, and Pharmacy services in the South...  ...healthy communities. You will gain invaluable skills in grant writing, collaboration, and project management while enjoying a range...