Senior R&D Manager

The Senior Manager of R&D Tortilla leads and oversees the daily activities of the Tortilla Team, ensuring efficient use of time and resources to achieve timely completion of projects, documentation, and specification requirements. While the primary focus is team and project management, this role also includes direct involvement in key projects as needed.

Serving as the primary point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders on assigned projects, the Senior Manager works closely with the Sales and Category Teams as well as the Director of R&D to align project goals and communications. The role also provides technical support through plant trials, process evaluations, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. In addition, the Senior Manager collaborates with CHG’s suppliers to drive advancements in formulation, processing, quality attributes, and specification development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage team of scientists providing recommendations and critical decisions as well as influencing cross functional stakeholders on project attributes, feasibility and plans.
• Lead the investigation, planning, and execution of new product and process development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Provide leadership and technical expertise on multiple complex projects, contributing creative solutions to support innovation and growth.
• Evaluate incoming projects and assign responsibilities based on team member skills, workload, and timelines; coordinate with other team leaders to balance resources effectively.
• Monitor and track the progress of all team projects, ensuring accurate documentation within company systems and acting as a key information link among R&D, Sales, and Marketing.
• Maintain regular communication with team members—individually and collectively—to review project status, provide feedback, address challenges, and plan next steps.
• Develop and implement robust professional development plans for R&D team members, creating opportunities for growth and skill advancement in alignment with our High-Performance Team culture.
• Foster strong cross-functional relationships with Sales, Marketing/Category, Operations, Quality Assurance, and Purchasing to ensure successful project execution.
• Participate in customer and category planning sessions to identify opportunities for growth, assess project feasibility, and oversee the planning and execution of resulting initiatives.
• Assist in development of formulations, processing parameters, and specifications to ensure successful production.
• Provide technical leadership in optimization of existing products from bench to commercialization.
• Conduct performance reviews for team members in alignment with PMD guidelines.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Baking Science, or other technical field; advanced degree in a technical field is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Food Manufacturing R&D and/or Technical Services, with significant exposure to commercial Tortilla products strongly preferred.
• Proven people-management experience leading technical R&D teams, including coaching, workload and resource planning, performance management, and developing high-performance talent.
• Relevant experience in non-food manufacturing may be considered.
• Demonstrated success in project management related to the development and commercialization of new products required.
• Experience collaborating with customers, suppliers, assemblers, and co-manufacturers to develop and commercialize new products.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient use of a computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), and other related applications or software.
• Strong understanding of scientific principles and methods relevant to food product research and development.
• Broad knowledge of food ingredients, with particular expertise in grain-based foods preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to assist scientists and Operations in diagnosing issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Familiarity with food manufacturing facilities, preferably with significant experience in Tortilla processes.
• Familiarity and enthusiasm for emerging trends in food, food science, ingredient functionality, and consumer preferences.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively coordinate complex projects across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong presentation skills and experience representing R&D to customers, trade groups, or industry forums.
• General knowledge of GMPs and AIB standards.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of associates ranging from entry level to executive level positions.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, often with competing deadlines.
• Ability to analyze complex technical problems and devise creative and effective solutions.
• Ability to effectively train and transfer knowledge to plant Operations and QA personnel.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Must be able to set priorities, delegate responsibilities, and meet timelines.
• Ability to work with customers and suppliers to manage and meet expectations and demands of new product development process.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Manage multiple direct reports including but not limited to: Manager(s), Scientist(s), Coordinator(s).
• Work requires supervising and monitoring work performance of direct reports including making final decisions on hiring and disciplinary actions, evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, and realigning work and staffing assignments, as needed.
• Develop functional responsibilities of individuals that report to this position and ensure that best in-class output is created.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Typical work in office environment but will spend periods of time in manufacturing plants which will have exposure to unusual elements, such as dirt, dust, fumes, odors, darkness and/or poor lighting, noise and vibration. Seasonal exposure to weather elements to include, but not limited to, extreme temperatures, wetness and humidity.
• Must be able to lift up and carry 15 pounds at times.
• Travel on an as-needed basis, which may vary depending on business requirements (up to 50%).

Expectations:

• Will demonstrate, promote, and exemplify the Company’s Core Values.

At C.H. Guenther, we value transparency in compensation. By providing the salary range for this role, we aim to promote fairness and help candidates make informed choices about their career. The salary range for this role is:

$101,023.00 - $189,457.00

Actual compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as geographic location.

C.H. Guenther & Son will never offer or pay a wage or salary that is not compliant with applicable local, state, or federal pay laws, including minimum salary thresholds.

We also offer a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, retirement savings options, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs, educational assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays.​

For additional information about our company, go to www.chg.com.

C.H. Guenther & Son and its subsidiaries are E-Verify participating employers.

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All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the pre-employment screening process which includes a drug screen and review of criminal background and other records as required.

AA/EEO/Drug-Free Employer