ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Fermentation Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lesaffr

Regulatory Affairs Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

For over 170 years, Lesaffre has been a pioneering force in the world of fermentation, harnessing ... As our Manager, Regulatory Affairs, you'll be the strategic engine behind our Americas growth ...

Private Listing

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL

$75K/yr

Write weekly schedules and manage labor costs * Oversee sous chefs * Create standardized recipes * Oversee and maintain current HACCP system in place for curing, fermentation, and raw shellfish ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFermentation JobsFermentation Manager JobsFermentation Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Fermentation Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.2K

$61.3K

$119.5K

How much do fermentation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for fermentation manager in Chicago, IL is $61,319.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $70,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a fermentation manager do?

A Fermentation Manager oversees the fermentation process in industries such as food, beverage, or biotechnology. They are responsible for monitoring and optimizing fermentation parameters, ensuring product quality, managing staff, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during production. Additionally, they maintain compliance with safety and regulatory standards, manage inventory, and often collaborate with research and development teams to improve processes. The role requires a strong understanding of microbiology and process engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fermentation manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fermentation Manager, you need a solid background in microbiology, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in industrial fermentation. Familiarity with fermentation control systems, laboratory analysis tools, and quality assurance protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and optimize production processes. These skills are crucial for ensuring consistent product quality, regulatory compliance, and efficient operations in fermentation-based industries.

What are some common challenges a fermentation manager faces when scaling up production, and how are they addressed?

A Fermentation Manager often encounters challenges when scaling up production, such as maintaining consistency in product quality and managing contamination risks. Variations in temperature, pH, and nutrient supply can impact fermentation outcomes at larger volumes. To address these, managers implement rigorous process controls, closely monitor critical parameters, and frequently collaborate with quality assurance and process engineering teams. Regular training and clear communication across departments are also essential to ensure smooth and efficient scale-up operations.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Fermentation Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Fermentation Manager job openings:

Fermentation Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fermentation Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,319 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Sr Sci, R&D - Fermentation Scientist

Kraft Heinz Company

Glenview, IL • On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

230th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Job description


Senior Scientist, R&D - Fermentation Scientist
The Senior Scientist, R&D - Fermentation Scientist is part of the central Research & Development organization on the Fermentation & Biotechnology team at the Kraft Heinz Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. This role leads microbiology and fermentation technology development through the design and execution of research projects. The role combines hands-on bench microbiology, bench- and pilot-scale fermentation, and understanding of commercial-scale processes.
This person will apply strong scientific judgment to solve technical challenges, translate findings into clear recommendations, and connect technical work to business and commercialization needs. Success in this role requires critical thinking, collaboration, project leadership, and comfort working with ambiguity.
This role partners closely with internal brand R&D teams and cross-functional stakeholders, including R&D, Procurement, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, and external scientific collaborators.
KEY COMPONENTS OF THE ROLE:
  • Diagnose microbial, process, and equipment-related deviations in culture production, and partner with Operations and R&D to resolve root causes

  • Provide technical guidance on dairy starter culture performance, stability, and strain behavior under manufacturing conditions

  • Perform bench microbiology, including plating, enumeration, isolation, strain verification, and media design and optimization for lactic and acetic acid bacteria

  • Conduct small-scale fermentation runs using INFORS and Eppendorf DASGIP systems to model and optimize process conditions

  • Design experiments to optimize fermentation processes and translate bench findings to pilot scale

  • Design, support, and execute microbiology and fermentation research projects, then summarize results for technical and non-technical audiences

  • Apply scientific principles to new situations and products while managing work with a high degree of autonomy

  • Build proof of concept and business cases for innovative ideas

  • Identify and communicate the broader implications of proof-of-concept results, including financial impact, scale-up risks, and timeline considerations

  • Independently lead internal research projects and external collaborations

  • Partner with cross-functional teams to lead and support projects from concept through commercialization, including Marketing, Operations, Quality, External Manufacturers, and Procurement

  • Maintain accurate lab records, SOPs, and technical reports

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • B.S. degree in Microbiology, Food Science and Technology, Fermentation Sciences, or related fields. M.S. or PhD preferred

  • Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience with Bachelor's degree OR 3 years of relevant experience with Master's OR 2 years of relevant experience with PhD

  • Strong working knowledge of lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, and microbial physiology relevant to food fermentation

  • Experience with operating bench scale fermenter systems. Experience with INFORS or Eppendorf DASGIP systems preferred

  • Familiarity with commercial fermentation systems required

  • Demonstrated proficiency in plating, enumeration, strain isolation, and general microbiological techniques

  • Experience or familiarity with starter culture manufacturing

  • Familiarity with microbial genetics, strain characterization, molecular tools, and metagenomic analyses

  • Strong critical thinking skills and ability to make connections to the big picture and understanding of business impact

  • Strong understanding of Design of Experiments, laboratory experimentation, and data analysis skills.

  • Ability to interpret data, identify process deviations, and propose solutions

  • Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and project management skills.

  • Willingness to travel up to 10-30% of the time.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz' strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$89,800.00 - $112,200.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
  • Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Glenview R&D Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

What Kraft Heinz employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply