R&D Manager, Snack Innovations & Team Leadership

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental and Vision

401(k) Plan with Company Match

Discretionary bonus (target 12%)

Job summary

Griffith Foods is seeking an R&D Manager to lead technical projects and talent programs that support our business strategy in Alsip, IL. You will direct R&D activities personally or through others, aligning initiatives with corporate goals and customer needs.

The role requires 5–8 years in R&D, strong leadership experience, and deep knowledge of food science, formulation, and regulatory standards. Onsite presence 3–4 days a week is expected, with up to 10% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Food Science, Food Technology, Food Chemistry, or a related degree.
• 5-8 years of R&D experience in food ingredient or product development with strong bench work skills.
• 5 years' direct people management including leadership, coaching and development.
• 5 years' experience in food manufacturing, new product development, duplications, cost reduction development and collaboration with customers and facilities.
• 5 years' experience with snacks and food manufacturing formulations and raw materials.
• Must have sensory acuity and ability to evaluate sensory characteristics of food products.
• Working knowledge of US food standards and regulations.
• Willingness to be onsite 3-4 days a week in Alsip, IL.
• Willingness to travel within the US up to 10% for business purposes.
• Candidates must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States; no visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage 3-5 direct reports.
• Function as a team leader in execution activities supporting key clients and Griffith Foods’ strategy.
• Apply scientific and engineering principles in R&D, development, production technology, quality control, packaging, and processing of foods.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to link product formulation to commercial fulfillment and regulatory compliance.
• Communicate progress of all products under development and monitor project success with metrics and reports.
• Represent R&D in relationships with GFUS client and supplier base, academia, and government.

Skills

People management

Product development

Formulation expertise

Sensory evaluation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Food Science/Tech/Chemistry or related

Job description

Griffith Foods is seeking an R&D Manager to lead technical projects and talent programs that support our business strategy in Alsip, IL. You will direct R&D activities personally or through others, aligning initiatives with corporate goals and customer needs.

The role requires 5–8 years in R&D, strong leadership experience, and deep knowledge of food science, formulation, and regulatory standards. Onsite presence 3–4 days a week is expected, with up to 10% travel.