R&D Manager, Portfolio Transformation

Simple Mills; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Simple Mills in Chicago, IL seeks an experienced R&D Manager, Portfolio Transformation to lead technical strategy across renovation, productivity, and commercialization initiatives.

You will guide cross-functional product transformations, translate business priorities into actionable technical plans, and mentor the team to improve product quality, cost performance, and brand integrity while delivering on ambitious timelines.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in R&D within the food industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field.
• Bakery formulation experience preferred.
• Strong data interpretation and sensory evaluation skills.
• Experience with natural ingredients and certifications (Non-GMO, GFCO, Organic).
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Lead portfolio transformation projects from concept to launch.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Marketing, Ops, QA and Procure.
• Develop technical plans and decision-ready reports.
• Oversee plant trials, ingredient screening, and experimental design.
• Balance quality, cost, and feasibility in product decisions.
• Coach and develop R&D staff and foster collaboration.

Skills

R&D leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Data interpretation

Sensory evaluation

Project management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Tools

TraceGains

Electronic Lab Notebooks

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Simple Mills is on a mission to transform the way food is made, creating nourishing products with astounding ingredients and amazing taste. Founded in 2012 by Katlin Smith, our brand has redefined center-aisle grocery by delivering better-for-you products made with unique, nutrient-dense ingredients. Today, we’re a category leader and the #1 natural brand in multiple segments, with distribution in over 30,000 stores nationwide.

Our work has been recognized by Fast Company as a Brand That Matters and a Most Innovative Company, and has been featured in Vogue, Forbes, Women’s Health, and NPR’s How I Built This. In 2024, Inc. named us one of its Best Workplaces, reflecting our dedication to fostering an inspiring and inclusive environment where passionate individuals can make a difference.

Role Description

The R&D Manager, Portfolio Transformation will play a critical leadership role in Chicago, driving technical strategy and execution across renovation, productivity, and commercialization initiatives. This role will lead cross-functional product transformation work, translate business priorities into clear technical plans, and guide formulation decisions that strengthen product quality, operational feasibility, cost performance, and brand integrity.

The position will report to the Sr. Director of R&D, Portfolio Transformation and responsibilities will include:

Technical Expertise

• Execute portfolio transformation strategy, including alternate ingredient evaluation and approval, capacity expansion commercialization and production support.
• Create and prepare technical documentation, ensure data integrity, and deliver decision-ready reporting.
• Lead and execute onsite plant trials, ingredient screening, sensory evaluation, and experimental design with technical rigor.
• Resolve formulation and ingredient challenges by diagnosing root causes, aligning options, and escalating risks.

Leadership

• Manage resources, priorities, and capacity to deliver project goals, timelines, and business commitments.
• Build trust, clarity, and accountability across contributors, cross-functional partners, and external collaborators.
• Coach and develop team capability through clear feedback, technical guidance, and strong decision-making.
• Champion a culture that balances speed, rigor, learning, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving.

Project Management

• Own renovation, productivity, and commercialization projects from concept through launch with clear governance.
• Align Marketing, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Finance and suppliers around executable technical plans.
• Anticipate risks, tradeoffs, resource needs, and decisions to keep projects moving efficiently.

Business Acumen

• Steward the Simple Mills mission through product decisions that advance quality, integrity, and trust.
• Improve ways of working that increase efficiency, strengthen partnership, and scale R&D execution.
• Use consumer, category, cost, and manufacturing insights to prioritize high-impact opportunities.
• Balance quality, ingredient standards, feasibility, timing, and financial goals in technical decisions.
• Performs other projects as assigned

Position Requirements

• Minimum 8 years in R&D in the Food Industry
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related technical field.
• Experience in Bakery formulation preferred
• Strong data interpretation, sensory evaluation and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of natural ingredients, clean-label formulation and certifications (Non-GMO Project Verified, GFCO, Organic, Non-UPF Verified)
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• The ability to travel up to 30% to support project work, supplier engagement, manufacturing trials, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Outlook and Forms
• Ability to work independently and prioritize competing tasks and timelines
• Self-starter with strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Prior experience in the CPG (consumer packaged goods) food industry
• Familiarity with R&D data tools (e.g., TraceGains, Electronic Lab Notebooks)
• A personal connection to the Simple Mills mission and a fervent desire to improve the food system to help people and the planet thrive.

Working at Simple Mills

At Simple Mills, we’re not just building a brand, we’re leading a movement that’s transforming how food is made and enjoyed. If you’re passionate about purpose-driven work and crave a role where you can have a meaningful impact, this is your chance to be part of something bigger.

Why Join Us?

• Be a Change-Maker
• Play a key role in redefining the food industry, crafting products that nourish people and contribute to a healthier planet.
• Thrive in a Mission-Driven Community
• Work alongside a dynamic team of innovators and food lovers who are committed to positive change and bold ideas.
• A Workplace Where You Belong
• We foster an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered. Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of our culture, ensuring that everyone can thrive.
• A Culture of Integrity and Impact
• We don’t talk about doing good, we live it. Our team is committed to ethical practices, responsible sourcing, and making decisions that drive real, positive change.
• Grow with People-First Leadership
• Our supportive leadership team is dedicated to mentorship, collaboration, and your long‑term success.
• Whether through hands‑on training, innovative learning platforms, or career growth opportunities, we invest in your professional development.

At Simple Mills, you’ll have the chance to make an impact while working in a collaborative and inspiring environment.

We recognize that our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a highly competitive total rewards package designed to support your financial well‑being, health, and overall quality of life.

• Competitive Compensation: This role offers a salary range of $105,000 - $120,000
• Annual Bonus Opportunity: Eligible for an annual bonus as part of our commitment to recognizing team contributions and company success.
• Holistic Benefits: A variety of health, financial, and wellness programs to help you feel your best and plan for the future.
• Time to Recharge: We believe your best work comes when you have space to rest, refocus, and show up fully—our time off approach is built with that in mind.
• Everyday Well-Being: From lifestyle perks to innovation shipments, we find meaningful ways to support you in living simply and feeling well.

We’re committed to taking care of our people—so you can focus on making an impact.

Our work model is role‑dependent and team focused. With remote, hybrid, or in‑office positions, each role is classified by what best supports the needs of the team.

• This position will be hybrid: a balance of in‑person and virtual work. Hybrid employees will work from our Chicago, IL office at least twice per week, and as needed based on project work. This role may require travel up to 30% to support project work, supplier engagement, manufacturing trials, and cross‑functional collaboration. When working remotely, employees must work from a designated location in the United States (the new hire’s permanent residence, as documented in our HR System, Rippling) with sufficient internet access to support video conferencing. Safety protocols in accordance with CDC recommendations are followed.

At Simple Mills, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and inclusion. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, past or present military service, physical or mental disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications. #LI-DNI

Simple Mills is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Simple Mills will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].