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Animal Nutrition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Health Keeper II

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$44K - $73K/yr

This position offers an opportunity to support the nutrition, care, and welfare of a diverse animal collection within a collaborative, progressive animal health team. Located just steps from the ...

New

Nutritionist

Joliet, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has already built a foundation within animal nutrition, feed, pet food, or related manufacturing environments and is looking to continue growing their ...

Nutritionist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has already built a foundation within animal nutrition, feed, pet food, or related manufacturing environments and is looking to continue growing their ...

Nutritionist

Aurora, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has already built a foundation within animal nutrition, feed, pet food, or related manufacturing environments and is looking to continue growing their ...

Nutritionist

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has already built a foundation within animal nutrition, feed, pet food, or related manufacturing environments and is looking to continue growing their ...

Implements improved programs in areas such as sick/pregnant cow treatment, calving, and animal nutrition * Manages feed intake in the maternity area * Monitors overall herd health * Performs related ...

Prepare animal diets in accordance with what is listed in the Diet Preparation Sheet * Assist ACS with keeping the Diet Preparation Sheet up to date and accurate * Follow AZA and USDA standards for ...

Prepare animal diets in accordance with what is listed in the Diet Preparation Sheet * Assist ACS with keeping the Diet Preparation Sheet up to date and accurate * Follow AZA and USDA standards for ...

Prepare animal diets in accordance with what is listed in the Diet Preparation Sheet * Assist ACS with keeping the Diet Preparation Sheet up to date and accurate * Follow AZA and USDA standards for ...

The Plant Manager will direct daily operations related to the manufacturing, inspecting, testing, receiving, mixing, packaging, and loading of animal feed products. This leader will supervise Feed ...

The Plant Manager will direct daily operations related to the manufacturing, inspecting, testing, receiving, mixing, packaging, and loading of animal feed products. This leader will supervise Feed ...

Animal Husbandry Internship

Tyler, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Animal nutrition, to include preparing and distributing animal diets * Preventative medicine and disease treatment * Water quality testing and water changes * Cleaning animal enclosures * Visitor ...

New

The Plant Manager will direct daily operations related to the manufacturing, inspecting, testing, receiving, mixing, packaging, and loading of animal feed products. This leader will supervise Feed ...

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Showing results 1-20

Animal Nutrition information

See salary details

$37K

$54.1K

$79K

How much do animal nutrition jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal nutrition in the United States is $54,070.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become an animal nutritionist?

To become an animal nutritionist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in animal science, nutrition, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions and obtaining certifications, such as the Certified Animal Nutritionist credential, can enhance job prospects and professional credibility.

Is animal nutritionist a good career?

Animal nutritionists analyze and develop diets for animals to promote health and performance, often working in research, veterinary clinics, or agricultural settings. The career typically requires a degree in animal science or nutrition, strong analytical skills, and knowledge of animal health and feed formulation. It can be a rewarding field for those interested in animal welfare and scientific research.

What are some common challenges animal nutritionists face when working with diverse animal species?

Animal nutritionists often encounter challenges in formulating diets that meet the specific nutritional requirements of different species, breeds, and life stages. Variations in digestive physiology, feed preferences, and health conditions require careful analysis and ongoing adjustments. Additionally, balancing cost-effectiveness with nutritional adequacy and ensuring compliance with industry regulations can add complexity to the role. Collaboration with veterinarians, farm managers, and feed manufacturers is essential to address these challenges and optimize animal health and productivity.

What is the highest paying animal career?

The highest paying animal careers typically include veterinary specialists, such as veterinary surgeons or anesthesiologists, who often earn six-figure salaries. These roles require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience in animal health and surgery.

What is the difference between Animal Nutrition vs Animal Nutrition Technician?

AspectAnimal NutritionAnimal Nutrition Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in animal science, nutrition, or related fieldAssociate's degree or certification in animal nutrition or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, industry companies, consultingFarms, laboratories, animal care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, feed companies, academiaFarms, animal care facilities, feed manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonMore focused on research and developmentMore hands-on with animals and feed formulation

Animal Nutrition professionals typically hold a bachelor's degree and work in research, academia, or industry settings, focusing on developing and improving animal diets. Animal Nutrition Technicians usually have an associate's degree or certification and work directly with animals, assisting in feed preparation and monitoring animal health. Both roles are essential in the animal nutrition industry but differ mainly in education level, responsibilities, and work environment.

What is animal nutrition?

Animal nutrition is the science of providing animals with the proper balance of nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, to support their growth, reproduction, and overall health. Professionals in animal nutrition study how different feeds and diets affect animal performance, well-being, and productivity. They work with farmers, veterinarians, and researchers to develop balanced diets tailored to the specific needs of various animal species. Proper animal nutrition is essential for animal welfare, efficient food production, and sustainable agriculture.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Nutritionist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Nutritionist, you need a solid background in animal science, biology, and nutrition, typically supported by a relevant degree such as animal nutrition or veterinary science. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, feed formulation software, and regulatory compliance systems is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help in tailoring diets and collaborating with veterinarians or farmers. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring animal health, optimizing feed efficiency, and meeting industry standards.

What can you do with an animal nutrition degree?

An animal nutrition degree prepares individuals for careers such as animal nutritionist, feed formulation specialist, or research scientist in the livestock, pet, or wildlife industries. These roles often involve analyzing animal diets, developing nutritional plans, and working in laboratories or agricultural settings, sometimes requiring knowledge of nutrition software and certifications in animal health. Job opportunities exist in research institutions, feed companies, veterinary practices, and government agencies.
More about Animal Nutrition jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Nutrition jobs? Cities with the most Animal Nutrition job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Nutrition jobs? The most popular types of Animal Nutrition jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Nutrition jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Nutrition jobs include:
Infographic showing various Animal Nutrition job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,070 per year, or $26 per hour.
Procurement Manager - Animal & Pet Nutrition - NA - Chicagoland

Procurement Manager - Animal & Pet Nutrition - NA - Chicagoland

ADM

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Manager, Procurement - Animal & Pet Nutrition (North America)
Location: Chicago, IL, Oakbrook, IL Harvard, IL; Quincy, IL; Effingham, IL or Kansas City, MO
Reports to: Global Animal and Pet Nutrition Director
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced Manager, Procurement - Animal & Pet Nutrition to lead strategic sourcing and category management activities across the United States and Canada. This role requires a procurement professional with deep expertise in the Animal Nutrition and Pet Food industries, including a strong understanding of ingredients, supply markets, manufacturing requirements, regulatory considerations, and supplier networks.
The successful candidate will serve as a strategic business partner, developing sourcing strategies that ensure supply continuity, support growth, manage risk, and deliver value across a complex portfolio of ingredients and raw materials. The role will also provide leadership and development for a team of 2-3 direct reports while partnering closely with Operations, Quality, Regulatory, R&D, Commercial, and Supply Chain leaders throughout North America.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Supply Assurance
  • Develop and execute sourcing strategies for Animal and Pet Nutrition ingredients across the United States and Canada.
  • Build and maintain deep knowledge of ingredient markets, industry trends, supply dynamics, and emerging risks.
  • Create and implement business continuity and risk mitigation plans for critical materials.
  • Lead category planning activities aligned with business growth, profitability, and operational objectives.
  • Identify opportunities for supplier diversification, second sourcing, and supply chain resilience.
Industry & Supplier Leadership
  • Leverage extensive industry relationships and market knowledge to identify strategic sourcing opportunities.
  • Develop executive-level supplier relationships and lead supplier performance management programs.
  • Conduct strategic negotiations and manage commercial agreements that optimize cost, service, quality, and innovation.
  • Monitor commodity, ingredient, transportation, and regulatory developments impacting Animal and Pet Nutrition markets.
  • Represent the company in industry forums, supplier meetings, and market intelligence activities.
People Leadership
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of 2-3 procurement professionals supporting the Animal and Pet Nutrition business.
  • Establish clear objectives, development plans, and performance expectations for direct reports.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer focus.
  • Build procurement capabilities that support both current business needs and future growth.
Stakeholder Partnership
  • Superior collaborate skills with cross-functional stakeholders and partners including Operations, Commercial, R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply Chain teams to support business objectives.
  • Provide market intelligence, pricing forecasts, and risk assessments to leadership.
  • Support new product development initiatives through supplier engagement and ingredient sourcing expertise.
  • Influence business decisions through data-driven recommendations and procurement leadership.
Operational Excellence
  • Drive procurement process improvements and best practices across sourcing and supplier management activities.
  • Utilize spend analytics, supplier scorecards, contract management systems, and procurement tools to improve performance.
  • Ensure compliance with procurement policies, quality standards, regulatory requirements, and sustainability objectives.
Performance & Value Delivery
  • Establish and monitor category performance metrics.
  • Deliver measurable value through cost optimization, working capital improvements, risk reduction, and supply assurance.
  • Report category performance, market conditions, and strategic initiatives to regional and global leadership.
  • Support long-term business growth through proactive category management and strategic supplier partnerships.
Qualifications & Experience
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Food Science, or related field.
  • 10+ years of procurement, sourcing, category management, commercial, or supply chain experience within the Animal Nutrition, Pet Food, Feed Ingredient, Feed Additive, Premix, or Agricultural Ingredient industries.
  • Demonstrated expertise in Animal and Pet Nutrition ingredient markets, including proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, feed additives, specialty ingredients, fats and oils, grains, and related raw materials.
  • Proven success developing sourcing strategies, negotiating complex commercial agreements, and managing strategic supplier relationships.
  • Previous experience leading, coaching, and developing procurement professionals.
  • Strong understanding of ingredient manufacturing, supply chains, quality requirements, and regulatory considerations within Animal and Pet Nutrition.
  • Experience managing supply disruptions, market volatility, and business continuity planning.
  • Exceptional analytical, financial, and negotiation skills.
  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence stakeholders across all organizational levels.
Preferred
  • MBA or Master's degree in a related discipline.
  • Experience supporting both Animal Nutrition and Pet Food businesses across North America.
  • Knowledge of North American and global ingredient supply markets.
  • Experience with SAP, Coupa, Ariba, JDE, AS400, or similar procurement and ERP platforms.
  • Familiarity with commodity risk management, contract law, and advanced negotiation frameworks.
  • Experience leading cross-functional projects and strategic transformation initiatives.
What Success Looks Like
  • Maintains uninterrupted supply of critical ingredients supporting business growth throughout the United States and Canada.
  • Anticipates market risks and proactively develops mitigation strategies.
  • Delivers measurable cost savings and value creation while protecting service and quality.
  • Serves as the organization's subject matter expert on Animal and Pet Nutrition ingredient markets.
  • Develops a high-performing procurement team capable of supporting future business growth.
  • Builds strategic supplier partnerships that create competitive advantage.
Why Join Us
  • Opportunity to lead procurement strategy for a critical and growing North American business.
  • Direct responsibility for procurement activities across the United States and Canada.
  • Leadership responsibility for a team of procurement professionals.
  • Direct exposure to executive leadership and strategic business initiatives.
  • Ability to shape supplier partnerships, sourcing strategies, and future growth plans.
  • Competitive compensation, benefits, and career development opportunities.
 
Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 
REF:107853BR