CareersInFood.com ยท 2 days ago
Research and Development Project Manager
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$110K/yr - $138K/yr
10+ years expCareersInFood.com is representing a world-class leader in the confectionery industry seeking a Senior Customer R&D Project Manager. This role involves managing complex R&D projects, translating customer requirements into new products, and serving as the primary technical contact for customers while fostering cross-functional collaboration.
Human ResourcesManufacturing
No H1B
U.S. Citizen OnlyHiring Manager
Andi Thornbury
Responsibilities
Lead and manage complex new product development projects from theoretical recipes to lab prototype and industrial product for internal and external clients
Ensure full project follow-up and completion of necessary project documents, including recipe creation
Drive complete project from concept to commercialization
Provide guidance and direction to the R&D product experts and technologists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment
Translate technical learnings and insights into commercial opportunities
Lead also customer projects for PDI or innovations with our Product Experts and Innovation people
Offer necessary technical support and expertise to vendors, customers, operations and quality when product-related problems occur
Advise the sales team on technical and application matters
Provide assistance to all departments as needed regarding technical issues related to confectionery product manufacturing
Actively participate in customer visits and plant trials, providing technical expertise and support to drive successful customer projects
Actively participate in various projects of the Research and Development team, maintaining close interaction with Sales, Operations, Quality, Sourcing and cocoa R&D within the country or region
Serve as the key technical contact for the customer, building strong relationships and effectively communicating project updates, technical recommendations, and solutions
Identify and pursue new market opportunities by providing technical support and insights to existing and potential customers
Oversee, ensure and complete accurate and comprehensive project follow-up, documentation, including recipe creation
Qualification
Required
Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in the food industry, with a strong focus on new product development
Substantial experience as a Senior Customer R&D Project Manager
Technical expertise in food chemistry
Exceptional organizational skills
Strong leadership abilities
Ability to deliver results in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
Excellent communication skills to effectively engage with customers and internal stakeholders (Sales, Operations, Quality, etc.)
Keen attention to detail
Ability to lead projects from inception to completion, effectively influencing key stakeholders
Extensive experience in the chocolate or cocoa industry is highly advantageous
Fluent in the local country language and proficient in English
Proven experience in leading and managing cross-functional teams
Solution driven, capable of working under pressure, and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously
Excellent teamwork, communication, and leadership of influence
Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to translate technical findings into actionable insights and commercial opportunities
Flexibility and willingness to travel as needed
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including external customer communication
Ability to present technical information in a clear and concise manner
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, Google suites and Salesforce required
Preferred
Extensive knowledge of the confectionery sector is highly desirable
Knowledge of SAP or other project management software is an asset
Benefits
Paid time off, plus generous holiday time
Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility
An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature.
Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth
Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm.
Relocation assistance is available if necessary.
Company
CareersInFood.com
CareersInFood is the largest & most comprehensive niche job board in North America dedicated to the Food & Beverage Manufacturing community.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase