Product Development Manager - Bakery

Kroger; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger Commercial Bakery seeks a senior leader to coordinate product development resources, guide cross-functional teams, and uphold bakery science excellence across regulatory and quality standards.

You will drive collaboration with Corporate Food Technology and other Kroger departments, coaching teams toward continuous improvement while aligning with Kroger’s values and safety principles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Food Science/Tech, Dairy, Bakery, Food Microbiology).
• 6+ years in Commercial Bakery Product Development or related leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate resources to align with Kroger’s product development goals.
• Collaborate across departments to optimize resource allocation and accelerate commercialization.
• Elevate product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance through customer insights and supplier partnerships.
• Lead cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement in development workflows.

Skills

Leadership

Project planning

Problem solving

Execution

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Planning & organization

Education

Bachelor's in Food Science/Technology/Dairy Bakery Science

MS/PhD in Bakery Science or Cereal Science

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook)

Job description

Coordinate product development resources to meet business needs for Kroger Commercial Bakery. Foster collaborative relationships within Corporate Food Technology and across Kroger departments. Provide leadership and depth of knowledge in bakery science, food technology regarding product development, product quality maintenance, and technical service. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the support and execution of the technical vision by providing input for a scientific and technical product development team within Corporate Food Technology, ensuring alignment with Kroger brand guardrails and operational goals.
• Participate in establishing cross-functional synergy by collaborating across food and/or nonfood product development, sensory, innovation, sourcing, manufacturing, data integrity, lab support and regulatory teams to optimize resource allocation and accelerate product commercialization.
• Assist in elevating product standards and driving excellence by contributing to initiatives that enhance product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance, leveraging customer insights and supplier partnerships to deliver superior outcomes.
• Optimize development processes by contributing to continuous improvement efforts in product development and approval workflows to increase agility and responsiveness to evolving consumer and business needs.
• Develop and lead high-impact teams by cultivating a high-performance culture through coaching, strategic talent development, and adherence to Kroger’s core values and food safety principles.
• Follow Regulatory and Technological changes that may affect the food industry by maintaining professional contacts with peers in industry, universities, and government agencies.
• Supervise and coach direct reports, if applicable, in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provide feedback to any potential direct reports.
• Travel 10% to suppliers, contract manufacturers, Kroger manufacturing sites.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications

Minimum

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Technology, Dairy Science, Bakery Science, Food Microbiology or related field
• 2+ years of progressive leadership experience in Product Development, Quality Assurance and/or Manufacturing
• Functional knowledge and use of Microsoft products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and Internet Explorer
• Demonstrated excellence in project planning, problem solving and execution
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to foster positive relationships both internal and external to the organization
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Advanced Degree (M.S or PhD) in Bakery Science or Cereal Science
• 6+ years Commercial Bakery Product Development Experience
• Progressive leadership experience in Bakery Product Development