Our client, a leading organization in the food manufacturing industry, is seeking a Director of R&D to join their team. As a Director of R&D, you will be part of the Research and Development department supporting innovation and product development initiatives. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, innovative thinking, and a passion for food science, which will align successfully in the organization. **Job Title:** Director of R&D **Location:** Chicago, Illinois **Pay Range:** **What's the Job?** + Develop and lead the R&D strategy aligned with company goals and market trends. + Provide technical expertise throughout all phases of New Product Development (concept through commercialization). + Lead ideation, formulation, testing, and scale-up of new products. + Ensure all products comply with USDA, FDA, and other regulatory standards. + Monitor food trends, consumer insights, and competitive products to identify innovation opportunities. **What's Needed?** + Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Culinary Science, Food Engineering, or a related field. + 8+ years of R&D experience in the food manufacturing industry, with a focus on soups, broths, sauces, or similar products. + Proven experience taking products from concept through commercialization in a USDA/FDA-regulated environment. + Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, thermal processing, and food safety protocols. + Culinary training or deep familiarity with regional Italian cooking techniques is preferred. **What's in it for me?** + Competitive salary with a 20% bonus potential. + Opportunity to work with iconic brands and innovative product lines. + Engagement in a dynamic, fast-paced environment focused on growth and innovation. + Collaborative team culture that values diversity and inclusion. + Potential for professional development and leadership growth within the organization. **Upon completion of waiting period consultants are eligible for:** + Medical and Prescription Drug Plans + Dental Plan + Vision Plan + Health Savings Account + Health Flexible Spending Account + Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account + Supplemental Life Insurance + Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance + Business Travel Insurance + 401(k), Plus Match + Weekly Pay If this is a role that interests you and you'd like to learn more, click apply now and a recruiter will be in touch with you to discuss this great opportunity. We look forward to speaking with you! **About ManpowerGroup, Parent Company of: Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells.** _ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands –_ **_Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells_** _–_ creates substantial value for candidates and clients across more than 75 countries and territories and has done so for over 70 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity - as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality and Disability and in 2023 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 14th year - all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent. ManpowerGroup is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a professional, high quality work environment. It is the policy of ManpowerGroup and all of its subsidiaries to recruit, train, promote, transfer, pay and take all employment actions without regard to an employee's race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.