ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Innovation Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Winland Foods, Inc.

Food Technician

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... 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 ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsFood Innovation JobsFood Innovation Manager Jobs

Food Innovation Manager information

See salary details

$11

$21

$40

How much do food innovation manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for food innovation manager in the United States is $22.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $24.04 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.

What cities are hiring for Food Innovation Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Food Innovation Manager job openings:

What states have the most Food Innovation Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Innovation Manager jobs include:

Food Innovation Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Innovation Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,753 per year, or $22 per hour.

Manager, Product Innovation, Global R&D

The LaSalle Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

The Product Innovation Manager is responsible for leading the development and execution of new product innovation initiatives that align with business strategy and drive growth across key product categories. This role collaborates closely with cross-functional teams including Research & Development, Commercial, Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Quality to bring innovative products from concept through commercialization. The Product Innovation Manager serves as a technical leader, ensuring projects are executed successfully while identifying new opportunities to enhance product offerings and meet evolving customer and market needs.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead product innovation initiatives that support strategic business objectives and drive category growth.
  • Manage multiple innovation projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to develop, test, and launch new products and product improvements.
  • Provide technical expertise in product formulation, ingredient functionality, manufacturing processes, and product applications.
  • Monitor market trends, emerging technologies, consumer insights, and competitive activity to identify innovation opportunities.
  • Develop business cases and technical recommendations for new products and product enhancements.
  • Coordinate internal and external resources required to execute product development initiatives.
  • Document project findings, technical learnings, and best practices while promoting knowledge sharing across the organization.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure products can be successfully scaled from laboratory to commercial production.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, performance, and manufacturing efficiency.
  • Present project updates and technical recommendations to leadership and key stakeholders.

Qualifications
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline preferred. Bachelor's degree with significant relevant experience will also be considered.
  • 8+ years of experience in product development, product innovation, R&D, or technical leadership within the food, beverage, confectionery, ingredients, or consumer packaged goods industry.
  • Strong understanding of food formulation, ingredient functionality, manufacturing processes, and commercialization.
  • Experience managing complex cross-functional projects from concept through launch.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
  • Excellent communication and presentation abilities with experience influencing stakeholders across multiple functions.
  • Demonstrated ability to balance technical expertise with commercial and business objectives.
  • Experience working in global or multi-regional organizations is preferred.
  • Willingness to travel approximately 20% as business needs require.

Preferred Experience
  • Experience in confectionery, chocolate, cocoa, coatings, fillings, bakery, dairy, or specialty food ingredients.
  • Knowledge of food processing technologies, fats and oils, ingredient systems, and product applications.
  • Experience supporting global product portfolios and international markets.
  • Leadership experience mentoring technical teams or leading innovation programs is a plus.

Top Three Required Skills
  1. Product Innovation & Food Product Development - Demonstrated experience leading new product development from concept through commercialization.
  2. Cross-Functional Project Leadership - Ability to manage complex projects while collaborating with R&D, Operations, Commercial, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Quality teams.
  3. Technical Expertise in Food Science & Manufacturing - Strong understanding of food formulation, ingredient functionality, processing technologies, and commercialization within food manufacturing.

Key Details
  • Compensation: $135,000 - $150,000 + eligibility to earn a 15% bonus
  • Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401k benefits available

Thank You,
Jacob Wortham
#LI-RS3
LaSalle Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer m/f/d/v.
LaSalle Network is the leading provider of direct hire and temporary staffing services. For over two decades, LaSalle has helped organizations hire faster and connect top talent with opportunities, from entry-level positions to the C-suite. With units specializing in Accounting and Finance, Administrative, Engineering, Marketing, Technology, Supply Chain, Revenue Cycle, Call Center, Human Resources and Executive Search, LaSalle offers staffing and recruiting solutions to companies of all sizes and across all industries.

Apply