SR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SCIENTIST-BAKERY

Kroger; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Career growth

Job summary

Kroger is seeking a senior technical leader to drive product development and quality support for Kroger Corporate Brand products from Cincinnati. You will monitor plant and supplier quality, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and lead cross-functional teams through development and improvement projects.

The role requires expertise in bakery product development, quality assurance, labeling, and regulatory standards, with extensive collaboration across Corporate Brands, Retail, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in food science technology, dairy or bakery science, food microbiology, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years bakery product development experience
• 6+ years in quality assurance or product development
• Plant experience in QA, technical service or production
• Advanced knowledge in food microbiology, refrigerated foods, USDA regulations

Responsibilities

• Lead technical aspects of product development, product approval, and quality improvement processes
• Subject Matter Expert for Bakery NPD, maintenance, cost savings, and continuity projects
• Select raw materials, finished products, and packaging suppliers meeting quality and cost targets
• Approve procured products and the plants that make Kroger labeled products
• Maintain labeling proficiency to meet legal requirements
• Monitor quality of procured products and coordinate recalls if needed
• Lead lab development trials and audits
• Prepare and maintain materials, formulas, and product specifications
• Analyze customer feedback and coordinate with plants and suppliers
• Drive quality improvements with Corporate Brands and Retail teams
• Monitor changes in targets with vendors
• Travel to plants and vendors for essential duties
• Support SQF 2000 Systems development and maintenance
• Follow Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles

Skills

Bakery product development

Quality assurance

Regulatory knowledge

Critical thinking

Communication

Cross-functional planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science or related

Job description

Provide technical and scientific leadership for product development and quality support functions to assure safety and quality of Kroger Corporate Brand products. Monitor the quality of Corporate Brand products and ensure Kroger manufacturing plants and outside suppliers develop and commercialize products according to the company’s food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements. Demonstrate the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

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
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Qualifications

Minimum

• Bachelor's degree in food science technology, dairy or bakery science, food microbiology or a bachelor’s degree with adequate industry experience
• 5+ years of experience in bakery product development
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Strong attention to detail, with a high degree of accuracy and precision
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proven excellence in problem solving and cross-functional project planning/execution
• Ability to support successful new or innovative product launches in a rapidly changing environment
• Strong knowledge of key regulations associated with product development and quality assurance
• 6+ years of experience in quality assurance or product development
• Plant experience in quality assurance, technical service and/or production
• Advanced knowledge in a specialized area such as food microbiology, refrigerated foods, USDA regulations, specialty ingredients, or supplement regulations

Job Info

• Job Identification 236305
• Job Category Retail Operations
• Posting Date 10/02/2026, 02:37 PM
• Locations 1014 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, US (On-site)

The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well-Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:

• – A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
• – Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.
• – Emotional and financial support with free counseling through our Employee Assistance Program and free, confidential financial tools and coaching.
• – Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.
• – Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career, through our industry-leading Continuing Education program.
• – Vast potential for growth, through an abundance of industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways.

From one tiny Cincinnati grocery store more than a century ago, we’ve grown into what today is the nation’s largest grocer with nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states operating under 28 different names. As America’s grocer, we take pride in bringing diverse teams with a passion for food and people together with one common purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. With a history of innovation, we work tirelessly to create amazing experiences for our customers, communities AND each other, with food at the heart of it all.
Here, people matter. That’s why we strive to provide the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for success at work and in life. We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you’re caring, purpose-driven and hungry to learn, your potential is unlimited.
Whether you’re seeking a part-time position or a new career path, we’ve got a fresh opportunity for you.