R&D Product Developer

About the Company

Our facility located in Whitehall, OH and built in 2021, is dedicated to the retail product portfolio with a specialization in rolled dough (pizza, pie, pastry), cookie dough, and new brand expansions. Most importantly, we are GROWING. As we grow, our team members grow with us. If you are looking to do the best work of your career, be a part of an extraordinary company, and have a passion for what we do, we want to hear from you!! Our Cerelia Whitehall plant may be new, but the history of Cerelia goes back to 1974. As the years have passed, the company has grown from a France-based production company to an international leader.
Drive Innovation. Deliver Projects. Build the Future of Baking.
 

Position Summary

At Cerelia, we don't just manufacture bakery products - we create solutions that bring convenience, quality, and innovation to consumers every day. As an R&D Product Developer, you will play a key role in supporting the development and commercialization of new products within our growing retail and private label portfolio.

This position is ideal for a professional who is passionate about food innovation, product development, project coordination, and cross-functional teamwork. Working closely with R&D Director and Manager, Project manager and Baker, Operations, Marketing, Quality, and Procurement, you will help turn new product ideas into successful commercial launches while developing the technical and project management skills needed to become a future R&D leader.

You will gain exposure to the complete innovation lifecycle, from concept development and benchtop trials to plant commercialization and first production.
 

Primary Responsibilities

Lead Product Innovation and Development

• Lead and support new product development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Develop product prototypes, conducting laboratory evaluations, and organizing pilot and plant trials.
• Lead ingredient evaluations, product benchmarking, sensory analysis, and shelf-life studies.
• Collection and analysis of technical data to help guide product development decisions.
• Monitor market and consumer trends to identify opportunities for innovation and product improvement.

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Manage Project Execution

• Create and lead project timelines, milestones, action items, and risk assessments.
• Organize and Coordinate communication between R&D, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Regulatory, Packaging, Marketing, and Sales teams.
• Lead project meetings, prepare status updates, and track project deliverables.
• Ensure projects remain on schedule and key stakeholders are informed of progress, challenges, and next steps.
• Support stage-gate reviews and commercialization readiness activities.

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Lead Commercialization and Plant Trials

• Lead scale-up activities from laboratory to production line.
• Lead plant trials, sample preparation, materials procurement, and trial documentation.
• Collect, Evaluate and validate data results from trials with Operations, Engineering and Quality.
• Create and Maintain production recipes, process parameters, and trial reports.
• Lead first-production launches and post-launch evaluations.

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Maintain Technical Documentation

• Maintain accurate project records, formulations, specifications, and testing results.
• Support regulatory and labeling activities by coordinating ingredients, nutrition, and product information.
• Ensure R&D SharePoint folders, databases, and project trackers remain current and organized.
• Assist in maintaining product specifications and manufacturing documentation.
• Support creation and revision of SOPs, work instructions, and best practices.

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Drive Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve project management processes, communication, and efficiency.
• Lead cost-saving and recipe optimization initiatives.
• Assist with ingredient evaluations and supplier qualifications.
• Help track project KPIs, timelines, and commercialization metrics.
• Participate in cross-functional problem-solving activities to improve product quality and manufacturing performance.

 

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in food manufacturing, product development, project coordination, or related functions.
• Experience within refrigerated foods, bakery, dough manufacturing, or related food categories strongly preferred.
• Proven experience leading successful commercialization projects from concept through launch.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations, quality systems, and manufacturing operations.

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Technical Skills

• Understanding of food science principles and ingredient functionality.
• Proficiency with product development processes and commercialization activities.
• Proficiency of food manufacturing environments and quality systems.
• Knowledge of product labeling, nutrition, and food regulations preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Project tracking tools.
• Experience with Genesis R&D, specification systems, or ERP systems is an asset.

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Professional Skills

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to influence and collaborate without direct authority.
• Ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to travel occasionally and support production trials outside normal working hours when required.

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What Success Looks Like

In this role, you will:

• Successfully coordinate multiple innovation and renovation projects simultaneously.
• Ensure project timelines, documentation, and communication remain accurate and current.
• Effectively lead commercialization from concept development through first production.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships across R&D, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Marketing, and Sales.
• Lead successful product launches, cost-saving initiatives, and continuous improvement projects.
• Provide accurate and timely updates on project status, key milestones, and Stage-Gate progress to the R&D Director.

 

Core Competencies        

Drive High Performance: Establishes clear priorities and accountability. Maintains focus on objectives, follows through on commitments, and demonstrates urgency in delivering results.
Collaboration: Works effectively across functions and locations. Builds strong relationships, communicates openly, and supports team decisions.
Innovation: Demonstrates curiosity and creativity. Identifies improvement opportunities and contributes ideas that strengthen products, processes, and project execution.
Initiative: Acts proactively, takes ownership of assigned responsibilities, and seeks solutions rather than waiting for direction.
Information Seeking: Researches thoroughly, gathers relevant data, verifies information, and uses facts to support recommendations and decisions.
Customer Focus: Understands the needs of both internal and external customers and works proactively to deliver solutions that create value.
Flexibility: Adapts quickly to changing priorities, business needs, and project demands while maintaining a positive attitude.
Results Orientation: Manages multiple priorities effectively, consistently meets project deadlines, and maintains a high standard of quality.
Learning Agility: Demonstrates a strong desire to learn new technologies, processes, and business practices while continuously building technical and project management expertise.
Can-Do Attitude: Approaches challenges with optimism, resilience, and ownership while supporting the team's success.