R&D Special Projects Manager
About the role
Independently lead and execute special projects that advance the company's R&D, manufacturing, and innovation initiatives, with a primary focus on new capital equipment, network optimization, line installations, and innovative formulation development. Serve as a versatile, hands-on contributor who can move across departments and plants to solve technical problems, scale new products and processes, and support the broader R&D and Operations organization. Drive assigned projects from concept through implementation with a high degree of autonomy and minimal oversight. This role requires being based in our Tucker, GA or Minneapolis, MN headquarters, with relocation assistance available. Travel to plant locations as needed to support project execution, troubleshooting, and startups. At Rise Baking Company, our people are our finest ingredient.
Responsibilities
- Develop, test, and scale new and modified product formulations from concept through commercial production with an emphasis on cross-category initiatives and whitespace opportunities
- Partner with Engineering and Operations to evaluate, specify, and commission new equipment; support equipment trials, line qualification, and startup troubleshooting
- Translate bench-scale and pilot