Product Development Lead

Van Drunen Farms; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 97,500 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Van Drunen Farms is seeking a seasoned food science professional to lead new product development from concept to launch in Momence, IL. You will drive formulation, trials, and technology transfer, acting as the technical expert on ingredient functionality to guide cross-functional teams.

You will reformulate products to optimize nutrition, sensory quality, and manufacturing efficiency while managing multiple projects with strict timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science or related discipline.
• Four or more years of experience in food manufacturing, product development, or food science.
• Strong knowledge of formulation, sensory science, food chemistry, and ingredient functionality.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and commercialization of new products from conception through launch, including formulation, trials, and technology transfer.
• Serve as a technical expert in food science and ingredient functionality, providing guidance on formulation, processing, and performance.
• Reformulate products to optimize nutrition, sensory quality, cost, safety, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Manage multiple technical projects by defining scope, tracking milestones, and ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and external partners to deliver customer-focused solutions.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and analyze results to improve product performance, flavor, and texture.
• Develop and maintain product specifications, documentation, and technical reports to support commercialization and compliance.

Skills

Food formulation

Sensory science

Data-driven analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food science or related

Job description

This role is located in Momence, IL. One hour south of Chicago!

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is growing!

• Expected Pay Range: $97,500 - $118,000
• Bonus: This role may further qualify for supplemental compensation in the form of bonus and incentive programs, contingent upon achieving pre-established individual and company performance metrics.
• Benefits Eligible: Yes

Who We Are

At Van Drunen Farms, we’re not just providing ingredients; we’re providing people with purpose and possibility. As a trusted partner in delivering fruit, vegetable, herb, and grain-based ingredient solutions to companies around the globe, we’re striving to build a values-aligned workforce that embodies humility, integrity, passion, and excellence.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development and commercialization of new products from conception through launch, including formulation, trials, and technology transfer.
• Serve as a technical expert in food science and ingredient functionality, providing guidance on formulation, processing, and performance.
• Reformulate products to optimize nutrition, sensory quality, cost, safety, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Manage multiple technical projects by defining scope, tracking milestones, and ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and external partners to deliver customer-focused solutions.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and analyze results to improve product performance, flavor, and texture.
• Develop and maintain product specifications, documentation, and technical reports to support commercialization and compliance.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, biology, culinary science, or a related discipline.
• Four or more years of experience in food manufacturing, product development, or food science.
• Strong knowledge of formulation, sensory science, food chemistry, and ingredient functionality.
• Experience designing and interpreting lab and plant trials with a data-driven approach.
• Working knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, labeling requirements, and food safety standards.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, solve complex problems, and communicate across technical and non-technical teams.
• Strong collaboration skills with a customer-focused mindset and ability to translate needs into solutions.

What You Can Look Forward To

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• Tuition assistance and 401(k) with company match.
• Opportunity to lead innovation and product development across a growing global ingredient business.
• Exposure to cross-functional teams, customers, and cutting-edge food technology.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and use hands for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift or move objects up to 50 pounds and navigate stairs, ramps, and ladders as needed.
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer and handle documentation.
• Ability to work in both office and production environments, including exposure to machinery and GMP requirements.
• Must be able to work in varied environments including dusty, cold, hot, humid, or loud conditions.
• Required use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, hearing protection, and closed-toe shoes.
• The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and technical skills required of personnel so classified.