Director, R&D | Food Manufacturing
Michael Page International
- Naperville, Illinois
- 1 day ago
- $190,000–$215,000 Per Year
- Full-time
Highlights
Lead the product development pipeline from concept and feasibility through formulation, process development, scale-up, commercialization, and post-launch evaluation, leveraging efficient R&D methodologies to accelerate development and drive successful launches. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality to evaluate technical feasibility, manufacturing capabilities, and commercialization strategies.
Numbers & Facts
| Location | Naperville, Illinois |
| Job Type | Full-time |
| Industry | Staffing/Employment Agencies |
| Salary | $190,000–$215,000 Per Year |
| Company Size | 10,000 employees or more |
| Website | https://www.michaelpage.ca/ |
Description
Job Title
Lead Product Development
Job Description
Lead the product development pipeline from concept and feasibility through formulation, process development, scale-up, commercialization, and post-launch evaluation, leveraging efficient R&D methodologies to accelerate development and drive successful launches. Develop and optimize products that align with business objectives, customer requirements, and market trends while balancing performance, quality, cost, and profitability goals. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality to evaluate technical feasibility, manufacturing capabilities, and commercialization strategies. Incorporate quality, food safety, and regulatory requirements into product design and development processes to ensure compliance and successful execution. Partner with regulatory, legal, and quality teams to ensure products, specifications, and labeling meet all applicable industry and government standards. Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance product quality, optimize formulations, improve manufacturing efficiency, and reduce costs. MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.
The Successful Applicant
Qualifications
- Proven leadership experience with a track record of building, developing, and mentoring high-performing teams.
- Strong ability to collaborate across functions and effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels of an organization.
- Comfortable operating in fast-paced, evolving environments and making decisions with incomplete information.
- Experience leading product development and commercialization initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated success managing projects on accelerated timelines while balancing quality, cost, and business objectives.
- 10+ years of product development, R&D, innovation, or related technical leadership experience, including people management responsibilities.
- Track record of bringing new products, processes, or technologies from concept through commercialization.
- Working knowledge of applicable industry regulations, quality systems, and compliance requirements.
- Advanced degree in a scientific, engineering, or related technical discipline preferred.
- Experience supporting growth-oriented organizations and driving results through cross-functional collaboration.
Preferred Experience
- Background in food, consumer products, manufacturing, or a related industry.
- Experience developing products to meet specific performance, nutritional, quality, or customer requirements.
- Exposure to structured product development methodologies, process improvement initiatives, and commercialization activities.
- Familiarity with consumer insights, product testing, validation, or quality evaluation programs.
- Experience utilizing product development, formulation, specification, or lifecycle management systems.
- Broad understanding of regulatory, quality, and operational requirements related to product development and commercialization.
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary range: $190,000 - $215,000 USD.
- 10% bonus
- PTO
- Health, Dental, Vision
- 401k and more!!
Job Summary
Sector: Engineering & Manufacturing
Sub Sector: Production, Manufacturing
Industry: Industrial / Manufacturing
Where: Naperville
Contract Type: Permanent
Consultant Name: Trevor Wojcik
Job Reference: JN-092026-7102447
About Company
Michael Page is one of the world's leading professional recruitment consultancies, specializing in the placement of candidates in permanent, contract, temporary and interim positions with clients around the world.
Our business was established in Canada in 2005 when we opened our Toronto office. Our role is to work with employers and job seekers to facilitate a successful match. This can range from advising a global company on a candidate sourcing strategy to helping a job seeker find their dream job.
In Canada, we focus on recruiting for the following areas:
Banking and financial services
Digital and e-commerce
Engineering and manufacturing
Finance and accounting
Human resources
Information technology
Marketing
Oil and gas
Procurement and supply chain
Property and construction
Sales
An Established Brand
The Group has established a leading presence in many of the key markets for professional recruitment around the world and has positioned itself in certain other markets, which offer the opportunity for future growth. Within its current largest markets, Michael Page has also built a regional presence, including in the UK, France and Australia. Consequently, the Michael Page brand is among the most widely recognized brands in the professional recruitment industry.
A Market Leader
The role of a recruitment consultancy is to act as an intermediary, identifying and sourcing suitably qualified candidates on behalf of its clients. Candidates are recruited either for permanent or contract positions (typically for a fixed term) or on a temporary basis. Within the overall recruitment industry, the market for professional recruitment services is a specialist sector which has developed more recently. Michael Page is widely recognized as leading the development of this market around the world.
Learn the benefits of working with Michael Page yourself. Submit your resume or contact a Michael Page recruitment consultant today.