Title:  Research and Development Technical Manager

As a Technical Manager on our Research and Development Frozen Foods team, you will manage the development of multiple projects and programs. This position will support Morning Star Farms (Plant Based Protein) business and will lead a team of 4-5 food scientists and packaging engineers to work on assigned projects. This includes the review of relevant consumer insights and food and package design options. The role can be based out of Battle Creek, MI or Chicago, IL and will work in a hybrid model. Estimated travel is 25% but may vary depending on location of residency.   

Join us in revolutionizing the food industry! We are on the hunt for dynamic experts to lead a team to develop and scale innovative food and packaging strategies that align with our business goals, meet consumer demands, outpace the competition, and optimize our supply chain. Bring your technical expertise to the forefront and make a company-wide impact. If you have a passion for food platforms, consumer research, and understanding the supply chain implications of cutting-edge designs, we want you on our team!

A Taste of What You’ll Be Doing  

• Project Manager and Resource Allocation - Prioritize and assign projects to reporting food designers. Monitor workload, priorities and events to ensure appropriate coverage and successful execution of all projects. Work with the category and supply chain functions to advocate for priorities and appropriate resources based on divisional business.
• Product Innovation and Renovation - Lead a team to bring the business strategy to life by creating and executing an innovation / renovation pipeline. Direct a team through development and commercialization activities within the following project progression: ideation, development, production scale-up, production testing, and production start-up. Interact with Packaging Technologist / Engineering/Operations to define and resolve production issues.
• Technology Specification and Food Design Oversight – Specify and validate new technology to be used in production systems. This position is responsible for innovation/renovation projects as well as final food design all the way to the shelf.
• Asset Optimization and Sourcing Recommendations - Seek opportunities to maximize use of current corporate assets for the manufacture of new and existing food products/packaging.  This includes recommendations for new product/package sourcing.
• Technical Support and Expertise - Provide technical support and troubleshooting expertise to facilities to resolve product/packaging performance issues. Keep current with the latest developments and technology through investigation, training, and communication. 

We’re Looking for Someone With

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science, Chemical or Agricultural engineering with strong experience in the field.
• Consumer Packaged Good experience 
• Food science and culinary knowledge, process capabilities, food safety, quality, sensory and supply chain experience.
• Leadership, cost consciousness, communication skills, and diplomacy that will promote good relations with all facets of worldwide management and other technical and scientific disciplines 
• Demonstrated effective execution of projects to accomplish Corporate and Category objectives
• Functioning effectively as a project manager, planner, coordinator, communicator and senior technical expert. 

What’s Next

After you apply, your application will be reviewed by a real recruiter, so it may take us a few weeks to get back with you by email or phone. Visit our How We Hire page to get insights into our hiring process and more about what we offer.

Need assistance throughout the application or hiring process? Email USA.Recruitment@Kellanova.com.

If you join our team, you’ll be rewarded for the difference you make. Our comprehensive benefits offer you the support you need through your life events, big or small. Visit our benefits page & be sure to ask your recruiter for more specific information.

Get to Know Us

At Kellanova, we are driven by our vision to be the world’s best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our portfolio of iconic, world-class brands include Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Eggo, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Tresor, Crunchy Nut, among others.

Kellanova’s Culture of Best means we bring our best to all that we do in pursuit of our vision to be the world’s best performing snacks-led powerhouse. Our culture celebrates boldness and empowers our people to challenge the status quo, achieve results, and win together.

Our focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) enables us to build a culture of belonging where all employees have a place at the table and are inspired to share their passion, talents and ideas to work.

Mars has agreed to acquire Kellanova in a combination that will shape the future of snacking! The transaction is anticipated to close within the first half of 2025 (subject to Kellanova shareowner approval and other customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals). The companies remain separate until closing.

You can learn more at www.futureofsnacking.com, and our hiring teams will be happy to discuss further questions if your application advances in the hiring process.

The best brands. The best people. The best you.

Kellanova is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, please visit our website here.