Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Kristine Schaak

Hugo,MN

Summary

Accomplished Research and Development Manager with extensive experience in product innovation and quality assurance. Demonstrated ability to lead teams, enhance consumer offerings, and implement effective training programs. Committed to delivering measurable results and fostering collaboration across all levels.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Research and Development Manager/Quality Manager/Team Leader

Kowalski's Markets
Shoreview, MN
02.2014 - Current
  • Spearheaded research initiatives to identify consumer preferences and enhance product offerings.

* 2014 hired as pastry team lead to develop recipes for our

companies first full service customer facing display case.

* 2014-2022 remained pastry lead, developing scratch-made

cakes, pastries, pots de cremes. Training team members on

products and ensuring quality. My development

responsibilities also included reviewing all current products

in our sales catalog and making improvements, such as cleaner

ingredients, flavor and texture balance. Ensuring our products

are inline with our companies identity. Training mixers, bakers

and bench stakeholders on new processes.

* 2022-2024 our company embarked upon adding an

artisanal bread line unique to our company. I spent 18 months

researching best practices, testing formulas, developing a

sourdough starter to support 2500 loaves weekly. Developing

a team of knowledgeable bread bakers, along with support

support staff that I developed into critical team members.

* 2024-2026 bread team lead. Train bread stakeholders on

proper bread making processes from mixing, shaping, proofing,

baking, shipping and handling. Built the program to $1.1 million

dollars in sales by December 31, 2025, for 11 stores

  • Established and implemented quality assurance protocols to maintain product consistency and safety.

* Created a recipe development policy that includes, how a

recipe becomes an approved product, marketing and roll out,

and a feedback loop document. Under the recipe development

policy created a recipe revision statement document, to help

close gaps within the recipe log

  • Analyzed market data to drive strategic decisions in product development and positioning.

*2015-current invited to attend a quarterly meeting with all

company developmental leads to study, trends,

implement training, identify gaps in training at store level

and take steps to improve those areas identified.

  • Collaborated with suppliers to optimize sourcing strategies for improved cost efficiency.

* 2017 attended the Fancy Food Show in San Francisco

*2018 attended Callebaut Chocolate Academy, Chicago

Illinois

* 2019 visited Dobla production facility in Atlanta to work on

training with new products

  • Oversaw project timelines, ensuring alignment with business objectives and timely delivery of new products.
  • Developed training programs focused on best practices in research methodologies for team enhancement.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Patisserie And Viennoiserie

Le Cordon Bleu
Mendota Heights MN
02-2009

Skills

  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Cross-jurisdiction teamwork
  • Multitasking
  • Relationship building
  • Self motivation
  • Quality control
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Stakeholder engagement

Certification

  • ServSafe Food License - 2025-2029

Timeline

Research and Development Manager/Quality Manager/Team Leader

Kowalski's Markets
02.2014 - Current

Associate of Applied Science - Patisserie And Viennoiserie

Le Cordon Bleu
Kristine Schaak