New Product Development Manager

Role Summary

The R&D Manager will lead menu innovation, recipe development, and product optimization for bakery, confectionery, and QSR offerings. The role focuses on creating commercially viable products that deliver consistent taste, quality, speed of service, and cost efficiency while aligning with consumer trends and operational realities of multi-outlet environments.

This position bridges culinary creativity with industrial scalability—ensuring products can be executed flawlessly across central kitchens and retail outlets.

Key Responsibilities

1. Product & Menu Innovation

• Develop new bakery, pastry, dessert, and QSR menu items from concept to launch.
• Create seasonal offerings, promotional products, and limited-time menus to drive traffic.
• Translate food trends into practical, brand-aligned products.

2. Recipe Standardization & Scalability

• Convert kitchen concepts into standardized recipes with precise measurements and methods.
• Ensure products can be replicated consistently across multiple outlets.
• Develop preparation manuals, SOPs, and training guides for store teams.

3. Central Kitchen & Production Optimization

• Work closely with production teams to scale recipes for bulk manufacturing.
• Optimize batching, baking parameters, holding times, and finishing processes.
• Improve yield, reduce waste, and enhance production efficiency.

4. Cost Engineering & Margin Management

• Conduct ingredient costing and reformulate products to meet target food costs.
• Identify alternative ingredients or processes without compromising quality.
• Support profitability through portion control and process optimization.

5. Quality, Shelf-Life & Food Safety

• Establish shelf-life standards for baked goods, fillings, and ready-to-eat items.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations (HACCP, GMP).
• Validate packaging solutions to maintain freshness and product integrity.

6. Store Execution & Operational Feasibility

• Ensure new products are easy to execute in fast-paced QSR environments.
• Conduct in-store trials to validate preparation time, equipment compatibility, and workflow.
• Train operations teams on new product rollout and handling procedures.

7. Continuous Product Improvement

• Monitor customer feedback and sales performance to refine recipes.
• Improve texture, stability, and presentation consistency across locations.
• Lead product refresh initiatives to maintain market relevance.

8. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Marketing for product launches and campaign alignment.
• Work with Procurement to source reliable ingredients and packaging.
• Support Operations with troubleshooting and process improvements.

Qualifications & RequirementsEducation

• Degree or certification in Food Science, Bakery Technology, Culinary Arts, or related field.

Experience

• 4–6+ years in bakery, confectionery, or QSR product development.
• Hands-on experience with commercial baking, dessert production, or fast-service menu design.
• Proven track record of scaling recipes for multi-location operations.

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