Manager Research & Development (Salty Snacks)

Posted 5 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Chicago, IL
Hybrid
107K-156K Annually
Senior level
Consumer Web • Food • Manufacturing
The Role
Manage product development for salty snacks, leading technical teams to innovate and commercialize food products while mentoring staff and collaborating across functions.
Summary Generated by Built In

As the Manager Research & Development (R&D), reporting to the Senior Director R&D, you will provide product design leadership for designated brands and platforms within the R&D Food and Process Design group. You will manage a technical team responsible for the day-to-day development and commercialization of new, improved, and cost-reduced snack products. You will drive food product innovation for assigned businesses and lead cross-functional project teams while serving as a technical mentor and resource for your team.

Your Impact

  • Coach, mentor, and develop food scientists to build technical expertise and career growth.

  • Communicate strategies, priorities, and direction clearly to your team.

  • Champion ideas for technology improvements, cost savings, and innovations that align with company strategic goals.

  • Ensure excellent product design, quality, and performance specifications for assigned brands.

  • Act as the primary product development business interface for assigned brands, managing technical teams and cross-functional initiatives.

  • Cultivate strong relationships with cross functional partners.

  • Maintain high awareness of consumer and technical trends and developments in the food industry.

  • Lead development of technical work plans and execute projects integrated with business teams.

  • Set tactical objectives to drive business results and deliver impactful outcomes.

  • Exhibit professionalism and positively represent Conagra Brands within the technical community.

Your Experience

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science or related field

  • 7+ years of relevant experience in the food industry developing and commercializing food products across multiple platforms and/or food processing technologies.

  • 2+ years of people management or leadership experience.

  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence technical and business partners.

  • Basic understanding of business and financial principles.

  • Strong negotiating skills for effective conflict resolution.

  • Travel may be up to 20%.

  • Comfortable working in manufacturing environments with exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, wet, slippery conditions and all food allergens.

  • Capable of lifting 25–50 lbs periodically and standing for extended periods.

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Compensation: 

Pay Range:$107,000-$156,000

The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee’s actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees’ equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.

Our Benefits:

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

  • Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
  • Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
  • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
  • Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company:

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye ®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.

Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

Top Skills

Food Science
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The Company
HQ: Chicago, IL
18,500 Employees
Year Founded: 1919

What We Do

Conagra has the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. Our diverse team embraces debate to challenge marketplace/business conventions. We are respected for our great brands, great food, great margins and consistent results.

We combine a rich heritage with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. Conagra’s portfolio of iconic and emerging food brands continues to evolve to offer contemporary choices for every occasion. We are a 100 year-old company with a startup attitude - an imperative to transform how we do business. What’s not changing? Our timeless values: integrity, external focus, broad-mindedness, agility, leadership by all, and a focus on results.

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