Director of R&D - Food Manufacturer | Chicago, IL

Our client, a top manufacturer and distributor of established consumer brands, is seeking a Director of R&D to lead research and development efforts across North America. As the company continues to experience rapid growth, they are looking for an innovative and strategic leader to strengthen, elevate, and expand the R&D function.

Client Details

Our client is a premier food manufacturer specializing in branded baking products, including flour, cornmeal, baking mixes, and other pantry essentials. Serving both retail and foodservice markets throughout North America, the company is dedicated to providing consumers with trusted brands built on quality and tradition.

Description

• Develop and lead the R&D strategy aligned with company goals and market trends.
• Provide technical expertise throughout all phases of New Product Development (concept through commercialization).
• Lead ideation, formulation, testing, and scale-up of new items.
• Ensure all products comply with USDA, FDA, and other regulatory standards.
• Monitor food trends, consumer insights, and competitive products to identify innovation opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement in product performance, packaging, and shelf stability.
• Oversee bench-top development through pilot plant testing and full-scale production.
• Partner with Manufacturing to improve existing formulations, reduce costs, and enhance processing methods without compromising quality.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring for the technical team.
• Work with Marketing to establish Innovation strategy and partner with operations for commercial execution against all new products.
• Investigate and implement cost reduction initiatives.
• Cross-functional collaboration with Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, Operations
• Perform annual performance appraisals for all direct reports and develop key personnel through coaching, training, and organizational development.
• Supervises, coaches, and develops direct reports to help them achieve department goals.
• Develop and control the capital and operating budget for the R&D department.
• Performs all other duties, responsibilities, and special projects as assigned.
• Expected travel to manufacturing locations on a regular basis.

Please apply below, if you're resume looks to fit in with the criteria. From there, Ben Aldrich from Michael Page will reach out in the next 48 hours if deemed a fit!

Profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Culinary Science, Food Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of R&D experience in the food manufacturing industry, with a strong emphasis on Italian cuisine (sauces, pastas, ready meals, etc.).
  • Proven experience taking products from concept through commercialization in a USDA/FDA-regulated environment.
  • Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, thermal processing, and food safety protocols.
  • Culinary training or deep familiarity with regional Italian cooking techniques.
  • Experience with frozen, shelf-stable, and refrigerated product lines.
  • Experience with co-manufacturing partners and internal manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading highly skilled technical teams (scientists and engineers)
• Sponsorship not provided

Job Offer

• Compensation up to $180,000
• 20% Bonus
• 3 weeks of PTO
• Full Health Benefits
• 401 match up to 6%

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.