Title:  Research and Development Technical Manager

As a Technical Manager on our Research and Development Frozen Foods team, you will lead a team to manage the strategy execution through the development of multiple projects and programs. This position will support MorningStar Farms (Plant Based Protein) business. Lead a team of 4-5 food scientists and packaging engineers to work on assigned projects. This includes translating consumer insights into food & pack 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%-40% (will be closer to 40% for individuals located in the Chicago area).   

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 optimizing supply chain solutions of cutting-edge designs, we want you on our team!

A Taste of What You’ll Be Doing

• Collaborative Leadership - As technical leader foster diverse, empowered teams with clear purpose and shared goals. Strategically assess, assign projects, and monitor the execution of key initiatives to ensure appropriate coverage and successful everyday execution. Work seamlessly with marketing, operations, supply chain, regulatory and sustainability teams. Drive stakeholder engagement by building trust with internal and external partners, including suppliers, technical partners, and regulators.
• Product & Process Innovation and Renovation - Lead a team to bring the business strategy to life by translating consumer insights into a pipeline of scalable product solutions. Improve existing recipes and processes with a focus on delighting the consumer, nutrition, clean label and cost efficiency. Seek opportunities to maximize assets for the manufacturing of new and existing food products/packaging, including sourcing. 
• Strategic & innovation driven thinking - Provide technical and scientific expertise. Utilize data-driven decision-making using R&D metrics, sensory data, and market analytics to guide development. Champion new technologies, ingredients, and formats. Active external relationships to work in future trends in food, health and sustainability.
• Technical Support and Expertise - Provide technical support and troubleshooting expertise to manufacturing facilities to resolve product/packaging performance issues. Championing new technologies, ingredients, and formats.

We’re Looking for Someone With

• Bachelor’s or master's degree in food science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Significant experience in food R&D ideally in plant-based or protein innovation, with demonstrated effective execution of projects to accomplish corporate and category objectives.
• Food science proficiency: Deep understanding of ingredient functionality, processing, and sensory science.
• Regulatory fluency: Navigating food safety and quality standards, labeling laws, and clean-label expectations.
• Resilience and adaptability to navigate ambiguity and lead through change. Integrity and transparency to foster diverse teams as priority and open effective communication.
• Leadership, cost consciousness, communication skills, and diplomacy to promote good relations with all facets of worldwide management and other technical and scientific disciplines.
• Functioning effectively as a project manager, planner, coordinator, connector and senior technical expert. 

Compensation

The annual salary range is $130,600 - $171,400, which is based on various factors such as location, experience and skill. Discretionary bonuses based on company and individual performance are also available.

What’s Next

Applications for this position will be accepted through November 12, 2025. 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.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, employee assistance program, short-term disability coverage, and long-term disability insurance. Also, voluntary income protection benefits such as supplemental life, accident as well as a 401(k) plan with company contributions are available. Part-time employees may have access to benefits on a pro-rated basis. See KellanovaTotalHealth.com for more 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, 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 towards the end of 2025 (subject to 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.