Process Development Manager

About the role

The Bread Factory is seeking a Process Development Manager to lead factory‑scale trials and support new product introductions in our artisan bakery. You will work closely with Production and Technical teams to ensure that every new recipe meets our high standards for quality, safety and sustainability.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and execute factory trials, collecting data and product samples for internal review, customer submission and validation.
• Produce detailed trial reports documenting recipes, line settings, adjustments, SPC data and other process information.
• Support commissioning of new equipment and smooth transition to new production techniques.
• Measure and analyse product attributes such as dimensions, water activity (aw), pH and other quality parameters.
• Run trials using final packaging to assess packaging performance.
• Maintain complete, audit‑ready documentation and product records throughout the development lifecycle.
• Collect production samples to establish quality standards in partnership with Production, Technical and customers.
• Attend first production runs, provide on‑site guidance and troubleshoot to ensure successful launches.
• Identify and drive process improvements that increase efficiency, consistency and product quality.
• Provide hands‑on support for continuous‑improvement initiatives.

Required profile

• Proven experience planning and executing manufacturing trials in a food‑production environment.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret SPC, aw and pH data.
• Excellent documentation skills and attention to audit requirements.
• Collaborative approach to work with Production, Technical and quality teams.

Required skills

• Statistical Process Control (SPC) data handling
• Water activity (aw) measurement
• pH measurement