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Bakery Product Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This role oversees the development of new bakery products, reformulation of existing products, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure products meet quality, regulatory, and customer ...

This role oversees the development of new bakery products, reformulation of existing products, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure products meet quality, regulatory, and customer ...

Lead Baker

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Product Development: Actively participate in the development and production of bakery products for cleints Team Leadership: Lead, motivate, and develop the mixing team to achieve high performance and ...

Lead Baker

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Product Development: Actively participate in the development and production of bakery products for cleints Team Leadership: Lead, motivate, and develop the mixing team to achieve high performance and ...

Growth and Development Opportunities * Generous Holiday and Vacation * Comprehensive Healthcare * Pension and Retirement funds * Discount Franz Product We are seeking Bakery Maintenance Engineers to ...

Lead Baker

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Product Development: Actively participate in the development and production of bakery products for cleints Team Leadership: Lead, motivate, and develop the mixing team to achieve high performance and ...

02701A - Manager, R&D

Fresno, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

We love to innovate and thrive to manufacture and deliver performing bakery products and world ... The Manager, Research & Development (R&D) is responsible for leading product innovation ...

02701A - Manager, R&D

Fresno, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

We love to innovate and thrive to manufacture and deliver performing bakery products and world ... The Manager, Research & Development (R&D) is responsible for leading product innovation ...

Bakery Clerk

Weaverville, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Production, Wrapping, Weighing, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking, Putting ... Referral program * Professional development with career growth opportunities Essential Job ...

Bakery Clerk

Weaverville, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Production, Wrapping, Weighing, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking, Putting ... Referral program * Professional development with career growth opportunities Essential Job ...

Bakery Clerk

Palo Cedro, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $21.90/hr

Production, Wrapping, Weighing, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking, Putting ... Referral program * Professional development with career growth opportunities Essential Job ...

Bakery Clerk

Palo Cedro, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $21.90/hr

Production, Wrapping, Weighing, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking, Putting ... Referral program * Professional development with career growth opportunities Essential Job ...

From La Brea Bakery artisan breads to Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, our products are enjoyed by millions ... Growth & Development - Opportunities to build skills, grow your career, and develop expertise ...

Food Technologist, R&D

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$68K - $91K/yr

From La Brea Bakery ® artisan breads to Otis Spunkmeyer ® cookies, our products are enjoyed by ... Growth & Development - Opportunities to build skills, grow your career, and develop expertise ...

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Showing results 1-20

Bakery Product Development information

See California salary details

$41.9K

$125.3K

$142.6K

How much do bakery product development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for bakery product development in California is $125,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $141,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is bakery product development?

Bakery product development is the process of creating new baked goods or improving existing products, often to meet changing consumer preferences, dietary trends, or business goals. This role involves experimenting with recipes, ingredients, and production techniques to achieve desired taste, texture, and shelf life. Professionals in bakery product development also consider factors like cost efficiency, food safety, and regulatory compliance. They often work closely with marketing and production teams to bring new bakery items from concept to market.

What are some common challenges faced in bakery product development roles, and how are they typically addressed?

Bakery product development professionals often face challenges such as creating products that balance taste, texture, shelf life, and cost-effectiveness while meeting regulatory and customer requirements. These challenges are typically addressed through iterative formulation, sensory testing, and close collaboration with production and quality assurance teams. Additionally, staying current with market trends and consumer preferences is essential for innovation, so bakery product developers frequently engage in market research and attend industry events. Cross-functional teamwork is key, as product concepts must be feasible for manufacturing and scalable for commercial production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in bakery product development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Bakery Product Development, you need a strong background in food science, baking techniques, and recipe formulation, often supported by a degree in food technology or culinary arts. Familiarity with product testing equipment, food safety regulations, and software for nutritional analysis is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for innovating and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the creation of high-quality, safe, and marketable bakery products that meet consumer expectations and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Bakery Product Development vs Bakery Technician?

AspectBakery Product DevelopmentBakery Technician
CredentialsFood science, baking or culinary degree often preferredTechnical training or certification in bakery equipment and techniques
Work EnvironmentResearch kitchens, product labs, R&D departmentsBakery production facilities, commercial bakeries
Job FocusCreating new recipes, product innovation, flavor developmentMaintaining bakery equipment, ensuring product quality, production support

Bakery Product Development professionals focus on creating new bakery products and innovating recipes, often working in research and development settings. In contrast, Bakery Technicians support daily bakery operations by maintaining equipment and ensuring product consistency. Both roles are essential in the bakery industry but differ in their primary responsibilities and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Bakery Product Development jobs in California?

For Bakery Product Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Bakery Product Development jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Bakery Product Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Bakery Product Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Bakery Product Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Bakery Product Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $125,325 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

02701A - Manager, R&D

mybakemark

Fresno, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Summary: The Manager, Research & Development (R&D) is responsible for leading product innovation, formulation development, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role oversees the development of new bakery products, reformulation of existing products, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure products meet quality, regulatory, and customer requirements. 

Responsibilities:

  • Lead new product development from concept to commercialization.
  • Develop and reformulate bakery mixes, fillings, icings, frozen doughs, and related products.
  • Manage R&D projects, timelines, and documentation.
  • Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Quality Assurance teams to align product strategy with market needs.
  • Conduct bench-top trials, plant trials, and scale-up production runs.
  • Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, labeling standards, and industry guidelines.
  • Monitor ingredient trends, cost optimization opportunities, and competitive products.
  • Oversee sensory evaluations and product performance testing.
  • Manage and mentor R&D team members.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in food science, Food Technology, or related field (master’s preferred).
  • 5+ years of experience in bakery product development.
  • Strong knowledge of ingredient functionality, dough systems, and baking processes.
  • Experience with regulatory compliance (FDA, labeling requirements, etc.).
  • Proven project management and leadership experience