Product Development Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid holidays and vacation

Tuition assistance

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Van Drunen Farms, part of the Van Drunen Family of Companies, is seeking a Food Scientist to drive the development and commercialization of new products from concept through launch.

You will act as the technical expert in formulation, sensory science, and ingredient functionality, guiding trials, optimization, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver customer-focused solutions across global markets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline is required.
• Four+ 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 and communicate across technical and non-technical teams.
• Strong collaboration skills with a customer-focused mindset and ability to translate needs into solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead 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, guiding formulation and processing.
• Reformulate products to optimize nutrition, sensory quality, cost, safety, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Manage multiple technical projects with defined scope, milestones, and timelines.
• 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

Formulation

Sensory science

Food chemistry

Ingredient functionality

Data-driven trials

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, biology, culinary science, or related

Job description

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is growing!

• Schedule: Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Expected Pay Range: $97,500 - $118,000
• Benefits Available: 2026-benefits-summary.pdf

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.

In the Van Drunen Family of Companies, commitment to excellence is in everything we do! As a global ingredient and nutritional supplement supplier to the world’s best companies, we thrive on nourishing others with our products and our care for people. If you are looking to make an impact and grow with a family-friendly, values-driven company, you'll fit right in with the Van Drunen Family of Companies!

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Van Drunen Family of Companies may use artificial intelligence ("AI") in its recruitment and hiring process. To the extent AI is used, Van Drunen Family of Companies ensures that its use does not result in discrimination against applicants on the basis of any protected class.

Van Drunen Family of Companies does not accept unsolicited resumes. Any resumes, CV’s, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a submitted request and written search agreement for a position-specific requisition will be deemed the sole property of Van Drunen Family of Companies and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by our Company.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran