Bakery Product Development Lead - Quality & Innovation

Kroger; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger is seeking a technical leader to guide product development and quality support for Corporate Brand products in a Cincinnati-based role. You will supervise QA and development activities, ensure label compliance, and coordinate with suppliers and plants to deliver safe, high-quality foods that meet regulatory and Kroger standards.

The role requires extensive bakery product development experience, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to drive cross-functional projects while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in food science technology, dairy or bakery science, or food microbiology, or equivalent industry experience.
• 5+ years of bakery product development experience.
• 6+ years of experience in quality assurance or product development.
• Plant experience in QA, technical service and/or production.
• Strong knowledge of key regulations related to product development and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical aspects of product development, product approval, and quality improvement processes.
• Subject Matter Expert for Kroger Commercial Bakery for Bakery New Product Development, Product Maintenance, Cost Savings, and Business Continuity projects.
• Partner to select raw material, finished product, and packaging suppliers that best achieve quality and cost requirements.
• Work with Corporate Brands to approve procured products and the plants that make Kroger labeled products (KLP).
• Maintain proficiency in all aspects of food labeling to ensure all packaging meets legal requirements.
• Monitor quality of procured products, address quality issues and work with recall coordinator to initiate product recalls if necessary.
• Work with the Corporate Food Technology (CFT) sensory group to organize panels.
• Lead technicians in properly planning and executing cuttings, audits, and lab development trial work.
• Prepare and maintain all necessary materials, formulas, and product specification documents.
• Analyze customer comments and resolve issues with manufacturing plants and outside suppliers.
• Lead the response to customer comment trends and prioritize product quality opportunities.
• Partner with Corporate Brands and Retail teams to lead product quality issues to resolution.
• Partner with vendors and Corporate Brands to monitor changes in targets.
• Travel to plants, vendors, and industry locations for execution of essential job duties.
• Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements.
• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF 2000 Systems.
• Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles.

Skills

Critical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science/related

Job description

Kroger is seeking a technical leader to guide product development and quality support for Corporate Brand products in a Cincinnati-based role. You will supervise QA and development activities, ensure label compliance, and coordinate with suppliers and plants to deliver safe, high-quality foods that meet regulatory and Kroger standards.

The role requires extensive bakery product development experience, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to drive cross-functional projects while