Job Description:

About La Monarca BakerySince 2006, La Monarca Bakery has been spreading The Sweet Flavor of Mexicoâ„¢. Today, we have 12 retail bakeries, and our products are available at retailers including Albertsons, Costco, Pavilions, Safeway and World Market and online at Amazon and . Our mission is to make delicious products with the Sweet Flavor of Mexicoâ„¢, create opportunities in the communities we serve, and care for the environment. Our products are made locally in California with simple ingredients, never any preservatives, artificial colors or flavors. As a member of 1% for the Planet, we donate a portion of sales to our non-profit partner, ECOLIFE Conservation to support programs to protect and preserve the Monarch butterfly. To learn more, visit a privately owned small business, we strive to bring our values of kindness, generosity, humility, gratitude and dedication to life by nurturing fulfilling careers.Key ResponsibilitiesWe seek a passionate and innovative Research and Development Manager to lead our bakery product development team. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this role drives new product ideation, optimizes existing recipes, and ensures the highest quality standards throughout the production process. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of bakery science and food safety regulations and a commitment to continuous improvement. La Monarca Bakery is a high-growth, fast-paced company where you will be indispensable to its future. This is a rewarding opportunity for a highly motivated individual to play a vital role in the going success of our bakery product line. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about food innovation and a commitment to quality.New Product Development:Lead the ideation, development, and launch of new bakery products aligned with market trends and consumer preferences.Develop and conduct pilot trials for new recipes, ensuring feasibility for large-scale production.Collaborate with marketing and retail sales teams to understand customer needs and translate them into innovative product concepts.Recipe Optimization: Continuously evaluate existing recipes for opportunities to improve quality, taste, texture, and cost-effectiveness.Conduct shelf-life studies to determine optimal storage conditions and product expiration dates.Implement reformulations to meet changing consumer demands and address functional or quality issues.Vendor Management: Source and qualify new vendors for ingredients and equipment used in bakery production.Develop and conduct testing protocols to evaluate the quality and functionality of new materials.Maintain positive relationships with approved vendors to ensure consistent supply and quality.Production Implementation: Work closely with the production team to ensure a smooth transition of new recipes into large-scale manufacturing.Provide training and support to production personnel on new processes and procedures.Monitor production runs to identify and address any potential quality issues.Standard Operating Procedures: Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for all bakery recipes, production procedures, and quality control standards.Stay current on industry trends and innovations, researching and implementing new technologies and ingredients to enhance product quality and efficiency.Lead the development and implementation of new food safety and quality control protocols.Education and QualificationsBachelor's degree in Food Science, Baking Science, or a related field.Minimum five years of experience in a bakery product development role.Strong knowledge of bakery science principles, ingredient functionality, and dough rheology.Proven ability to develop and optimize bakery recipes for commercial production.Experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Experience with conducting shelf-life studies and interpreting test results.Experience with sensory evaluation techniques.Understanding of food safety regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).Knowledge of current food trends and consumer preferences.Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.Excellent analytical and technical writing skills.La Monarca Perks & Benefits It is a full-time job. You will work on-site at the factory in Los Angeles, and you could work remotely on some days of the month.Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits401K PlanPaid Time OffExclusive employee discounts & perks at La Monarca Bakeries