Manager, R&D Dough Platforms

Job Summary

The Manager, Research & Development – Dough Platforms is the enterprise technical owner for dough systems across Papa Johns’ supply chain and manufacturing network. This role is accountable for dough formulation, processing performance, and technology enablement from ingredient specification through plant execution and restaurant performance.

This position blends deep dough science with manufacturing execution. Success is defined by scalable, repeatable performance in the field—consistent quality, reduced variability, and strong alignment with culinary intent and customer expectations.

The role works cross-functionally across R&D, FSQA, Supply Chain, Culinary, and Operations, serving as the technical bridge between product design and real-world execution.

Duties and Responsibilities

Dough Platform Ownership

• Own and continuously improve dough formulations, ingredient specifications, and process standards across the supply chain.
• Lead formulation enhancements focused on quality, consistency, cost, scalability, and manufacturability.
• Serve as the primary dough subject-matter expert for supply chain plants nationwide.

Testing, Validation & Commercialization

• Design and lead bench, pilot, plant, and field trials for formulation, ingredient, and process changes.
• Support Beginning–Middle–End (BME) testing and data-driven commercialization decisions.
• Translate technical findings into executable standards, training, and plant guidance.

Manufacturing & Field Support

• Support manufacturing sites through troubleshooting, process optimization, recalibration sessions, compliance reviews, and technical audits.
• Lead field-level technical training for plant, QA, and operations teams.
• Partner with plant leadership to resolve chronic dough performance issues and elevate technical capability.

Cross-Functional & Culinary Collaboration

• Partner with Culinary to ensure customer expectations and brand intent are embedded in dough development decisions.
• Support culinary-led innovation initiatives with technical feasibility assessments and manufacturing pathways.
• Participate in sensory testing and data interpretation.

Additional Responsibilities

• Lead a cross-functional supplier ecosystem across ingredients, equipment, and packaging.  Evaluate emerging technologies and ingredients with a Design-to-Value (DtV) mindset.
• Support supplier qualification, capability assessments, and performance optimization.
• Support development and commercialization of new dough platforms, including frozen dough balls and par-baked products.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives tied to yield, waste reduction, and process stability.
• Develop technical documentation, standards, and training materials.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to senior leadership.