R&D Manager, Portfolio Transformation

Simple Mills • Chicago, IL

9h • $105,000 - $120,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The R&D Manager, Portfolio Transformation will play a critical leadership role in Chicago, driving technical strategy and execution across renovation, productivity, and commercialization initiatives. This role will lead cross-functional product transformation work, translate business priorities into clear technical plans, and guide formulation decisions that strengthen product quality, operational feasibility, cost performance, and brand integrity.
The position will report to the Sr. Director of R&D, Portfolio Transformation.

Requirements

• Minimum 8 years in R&D in the Food Industry
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related technical field.
• Experience in Bakery formulation preferred
• Strong data interpretation, sensory evaluation and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of natural ingredients, clean-label formulation and certifications (Non-GMO Project Verified, GFCO, Organic, Non-UPF Verified)
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• The ability to travel up to 30% to support project work, supplier engagement, manufacturing trials, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Outlook and Forms
• Ability to work independently and prioritize competing tasks and timelines
• Self-starter with strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Prior experience in the CPG (consumer packaged goods) food industry
• Familiarity with R&D data tools (e.g., TraceGains, Electronic Lab Notebooks)
• A personal connection to the Simple Mills mission and a fervent desire to improve the food system to help people and the planet thrive.

Responsibilities

• Execute portfolio transformation strategy, including alternate ingredient evaluation and approval, capacity expansion commercialization and production support.
• Create and prepare technical documentation, ensure data integrity, and deliver decision-ready reporting.
• Lead and execute onsite plant trials, ingredient screening, sensory evaluation, and experimental design with technical rigor.
• Resolve formulation and ingredient challenges by diagnosing root causes, aligning options, and escalating risks.
• Manage resources, priorities, and capacity to deliver project goals, timelines, and business commitments.
• Build trust, clarity, and accountability across contributors, cross-functional partners, and external collaborators.
• Coach and develop team capability through clear feedback, technical guidance, and strong decision-making.
• Champion a culture that balances speed, rigor, learning, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Own renovation, productivity, and commercialization projects from concept through launch with clear governance.
• Align Marketing, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Finance and suppliers around executable technical plans.
• Anticipate risks, tradeoffs, resource needs, and decisions to keep projects moving efficiently.
• Steward the Simple Mills mission through product decisions that advance quality, integrity, and trust.
• Improve ways of working that increase efficiency, strengthen partnership, and scale R&D execution.
• Use consumer, category, cost, and manufacturing insights to prioritize high-impact opportunities.
• Balance quality, ingredient standards, feasibility, timing, and financial goals in technical decisions.
• Performs other projects as assigned

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: This role offers a salary range of $105,000 - $120,000
• Annual Bonus Opportunity: Eligible for an annual bonus as part of our commitment to recognizing team contributions and company success.
• Holistic Benefits: A variety of health, financial, and wellness programs to help you feel your best and plan for the future.
• Time to Recharge: We believe your best work comes when you have space to rest, refocus, and show up fully—our time off approach is built with that in mind.
• Everyday Well-Being: From lifestyle perks to innovation shipments, we find meaningful ways to support you in living simply and feeling well.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager