R&D Manager – Food Innovation (Hybrid, Alsip)

Griffith Foods; Alsip (IL); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision

401(k) with company match

Parental Leave

Tuition/Education assistance

Job summary

Griffith Foods is hiring an R&D Manager to drive technical projects and talent development, aligning R&D initiatives with business strategy. The role oversees 3–5 direct reports and works closely with cross-functional teams to deliver on packaging, processing, and regulatory needs.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in food R&D, strong bench skills, and experience in snacks and formulation. Onsite presence 3–4 days weekly in Alsip, IL is required.

Qualifications

• Five+ years in food R&D with bench skills.
• Direct people-management experience (5+ years).
• Experience in food manufacturing and new product development.
• Experience with snacks and food formulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage 3–5 direct reports.
• Guide R&D activities to align with business strategy.
• Apply scientific/engineering principles to research, development and processing.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to connect formulation to production.
• Mentor staff and contribute to talent management programs.
• Track progress with metrics and reports.
• Represent R&D in relationships with clients, suppliers and academia.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Sensory evaluation

Education

Bachelor of Food Science / related degree

Job description

Griffith Foods is hiring an R&D Manager to drive technical projects and talent development, aligning R&D initiatives with business strategy. The role oversees 3–5 direct reports and works closely with cross-functional teams to deliver on packaging, processing, and regulatory needs.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in food R&D, strong bench skills, and experience in snacks and formulation. Onsite presence 3–4 days weekly in Alsip, IL is required.