RandD Director | Italian Food Manufacturing

2 weeks ago

Chicago, IL, United States Michael Page Full time
  • Leading all of R&D for entire company
  • Chance to work with some of the big name brands in food
About Our Client

Our client is a prominent food company specializing in the production and distribution of a wide range of branded baking products, including flour, cornmeal, baking mixes, and other essential pantry items. Catering to both retail and foodservice sectors throughout North America, the company is committed to providing consumers with quality, heritage, and trusted brands

Job 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.
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.

The Successful Applicant
  • 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)
  • No sponsorship provided
What's on Offer
  • Compensation up to $180,000
  • 20% Bonus
  • 3 weeks of PTO
  • Full Health Benefits
  • 401 match up to 6%


Contact

Connor Whitman

Quote job ref

JN-112025-6885701

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