Research and Development Project Manager Job at YER USA in Columbus

Our client does more than bake—he creates the products that bring people together. As a leading name in industrial baking, we’re looking for an experienced R&D Project Manager to help drive the next generation of innovative baked goods.

In this role, you’ll be a key driver from concept to commercialization—leading cross-functional teams, engaging customers, and ensuring every new product meets the highest standards for taste, quality, and performance.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Innovation from Idea to Market

• Manage the full R&D lifecycle: concept, formulation, prototyping, pilot runs, scale-up, and launch.
• Identify and develop products that respond to market trends and customer demands across branded and private-label portfolios.

Own Product Development

• Design, test, and refine recipes and formulations with a focus on quality, cost, feasibility, and scalability.
• Conduct ingredient evaluations, sensory testing, and production trials.

Be the Connector

• Collaborate with internal teams across Marketing, Sales, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Procurement.
• Act as the central link between R&D and plant operations to ensure successful product integration.

Project Leadership

• Lead cross-functional project teams with influence, energy, and accountability.
• Keep stakeholders informed, aligned, and engaged throughout each project phase.

Drive Operational Excellence

• Troubleshoot production issues, optimize processes, and develop standard operating procedures.
• Ensure seamless adoption of new products across the plant.

Ensure Compliance & Accuracy

• Maintain detailed records of formulations, specifications, and regulatory documentation.
• Ensure compliance with nutritional, labeling, and food safety requirements.

Stay Ahead of the Market

• Track trends, attend industry events, and research emerging ingredients, packaging, and technologies.

What You Bring

• Experience: 5-8 years in food product development and project management; bakery or industrial food experience strongly preferred.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in food science, Food Technology, or a related field.
• Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of ingredients, sensory science, formulation, and processing.
• Project Expertise: Proven success leading cross-functional projects from concept to launch.
• Communication: Strong collaborator who builds bridges across teams and drives shared success.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiar with FDA labeling, nutrition regulations, and food safety protocols.
• Tools: Proficient in Microsoft Office, Genesis R&D, and digital project/documentation tools.
• Mindset: Innovative, proactive, and always looking to improve.