Product Development Lead

Van Drunen Farms • Momence, IL

4d

About The Position

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is growing! At Van Drunen Farms, we’re not just providing ingredients; we’re providing people with purpose and possibility. As a trusted partner in delivering fruit, vegetable, herb, and grain-based ingredient solutions to companies around the globe, we’re striving to build a values-aligned workforce that embodies humility, integrity, passion, and excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, biology, culinary science, or a related discipline.
• Four or more years of experience in food manufacturing, product development, or food science.
• Strong knowledge of formulation, sensory science, food chemistry, and ingredient functionality.
• Experience designing and interpreting lab and plant trials with a data-driven approach.
• Working knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, labeling requirements, and food safety standards.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, solve complex problems, and communicate across technical and non-technical teams.
• Strong collaboration skills with a customer-focused mindset and ability to translate needs into solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and commercialization of new products from conception through launch, including formulation, trials, and technology transfer.
• Serve as a technical expert in food science and ingredient functionality, providing guidance on formulation, processing, and performance.
• Reformulate products to optimize nutrition, sensory quality, cost, safety, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Manage multiple technical projects by defining scope, tracking milestones, and ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and external partners to deliver customer-focused solutions.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and analyze results to improve product performance, flavor, and texture.
• Develop and maintain product specifications, documentation, and technical reports to support commercialization and compliance.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• Tuition assistance and 401(k) with company match.
• Opportunity to lead innovation and product development across a growing global ingredient business.
• Exposure to cross-functional teams, customers, and cutting-edge food technology.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees