R&D Portfolio Transformation Lead - Hybrid, Growth Impact

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Simple Mills in Chicago, IL seeks an experienced R&D Manager, Portfolio Transformation to drive technical strategy across renovation, productivity, and commercialization initiatives. You will lead cross‑functional product transformation work and translate business priorities into clear technical plans that strengthen product quality, operational feasibility, and brand integrity.

The role reports to the Sr.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Familiarity with R&D data tools (e.g., TraceGains, Electronic Lab Notebooks).

Responsibilities

• Lead portfolio transformation projects from concept through launch with clear governance.
• Translate business priorities into actionable technical plans and drive formulation decisions.
• Collaborate across Marketing, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Finance and suppliers to execute plans.

Skills

R&D in Food Industry

Data interpretation

Sensory evaluation

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Tools

TraceGains

Electronic Lab Notebooks

Excel

Job description

Simple Mills in Chicago, IL seeks an experienced R&D Manager, Portfolio Transformation to drive technical strategy across renovation, productivity, and commercialization initiatives. You will lead cross‑functional product transformation work and translate business priorities into clear technical plans that strengthen product quality, operational feasibility, and brand integrity.

The role reports to the Sr.