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Food Innovation Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Winlandfoods

Food Technician

Oak Brook, IL

... innovation strategy. Employee Type: Full time Location: IL Oak Brook Job Type: Research and ... Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment * Effective written and verbal ...

Winland Foods, Inc.

Food Technician

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

... innovation strategy. Employee Type: Full time Location: IL Oak Brook Job Type: Research and ... Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment * Effective written and verbal ...

OFI

Senior Food Scientist

Chicago, IL

$90K - $120K/yr

Position Summary Reporting to the Sr. Innovation Manager, the Senior Food Scientist will be responsible for the product development and innovation activities from bench top to scale-up of ...

Ferrero

Packaging Innovation Specialist

Chicago, IL

$99/hr

They are responsible for test reports and collaborating with Open Innovation Managers (Packaging ... Today, it is one of the world's largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold ...

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Food Innovation Manager information

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How much do food innovation manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for food innovation manager in Chicago, IL is $22.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Food Innovation Manager do?

A Food Innovation Manager is responsible for developing and implementing new food products, processes, or technologies within a company. They lead cross-functional teams to research market trends, identify consumer needs, and oversee the creation and launch of innovative food items. Their role involves collaborating with chefs, food scientists, marketing teams, and suppliers to ensure products are both creative and commercially viable. They also monitor industry developments to keep their company at the forefront of food trends and innovation.

What are the typical cross-functional collaborations for a Food Innovation Manager, and how do they impact daily work?

Food Innovation Managers regularly collaborate with teams such as R&D, marketing, supply chain, and quality assurance. These interactions are essential for aligning product development with market trends, ensuring feasibility in production, and maintaining compliance with food safety standards. Daily activities often involve joint meetings, brainstorming sessions, and coordinating timelines to bring innovative products from concept to launch. Successful collaboration helps streamline processes, fosters creative solutions, and accelerates time-to-market for new products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Innovation Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Innovation Manager, you need expertise in food science, product development, and market trend analysis, often supported by a degree in food technology, culinary arts, or a related field. Familiarity with food safety regulations, sensory analysis tools, and product lifecycle management software is typically required. Creativity, project management, and strong communication skills help drive successful cross-functional collaboration and innovative product launches. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing market-ready food products that meet consumer demands and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Food Innovation Manager vs Food Product Developer?

AspectFood Innovation ManagerFood Product Developer
Primary FocusOversees innovation strategies, explores new food concepts, manages R&D teamsDesigns, develops, and tests new food products
Required SkillsInnovation management, project coordination, food science knowledgeFood formulation, product testing, culinary skills
Work EnvironmentCorporate R&D, innovation labs, cross-functional teamsProduct development labs, manufacturing facilities
Common EmployersFood companies, FMCG brands, innovation consultanciesFood manufacturing companies, startups, R&D centers

While both roles involve food development, the Food Innovation Manager focuses on strategic innovation and managing teams to explore new concepts, whereas the Food Product Developer concentrates on creating and testing specific food products. The roles often collaborate but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Food Innovation Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Innovation Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,133 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Food Innovation Scientist (Food & Beverage Manufacturing)

Westmont, IL • On-site

Baldwin Richardson Foods
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents

Learn more about Baldwin Richardson Foodsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Food Innovation Scientist (Food & Beverage Manufacturing)
Posting Start Date: 6/8/26
Division: RDI
Location Type: On-Site
Pay Min: 85,000.00 USD
Pay Max: 95,000.00 USD
Job Location: Westmont, IL, USA, 60559
Req Id: 600
WHAT WE NEED
The Food Innovation Scientist role is responsible for product development initiatives for Baldwin Richardson Foods. The Scientist will work collaboratively across all related functions internally, while building strong relationships with customers and suppliers. Work involves multiple product formats targeted to a diverse customer base, including QSR and CPG Categories.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Supports initiatives from early development through commercialization on sauces, fillings, beverage syrups, and aseptic beverages.
  • Leverages cross functional partners across marketing, purchasing, operations, and engineering, to drive Innovation projects.
  • Partners with the operations team as needed to ensure products are successfully developed for our system.
  • Partners with QA, Regulatory, etc. to ensure safety and consistency of all products
  • Studies methods to improve the quality of food/minimize customer complaints related to various products including flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, ingredient functionality, convenience, physical, chemical, and microbiological composition of products.
  • Builds relationships with customers to understand their operational platforms, company and project goals, and develop products to meet their needs.
  • Participates in product innovation sessions and sensory and consumer research sessions with manager support.
  • Establishes an innovative culture for the organization by building effective relationships with colleagues both on and offsite.
  • Responsible for staying abreast of industry news and trends to assist with forming product strategies as well as of technical product innovations to apply them to positively impact the business.
  • Assists with maintaining a world-class laboratory environment, including management of ingredients, lab scheduling/ functions, and the equipment.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL
  • Bachelor's Degree in Food Science or other related scientific discipline(s).
  • At least 4+ years of experience as a food technologist/scientist.
  • Proven experience and success working on projects related to concept development through commercialization.
  • Previous experience on sauces or fillings.

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