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

Stefanini

Food Scientist

Glenview, IL · On-site

... Manager and others in the organization experience with Meridian a big plus ,Matrix, Infinity Experience would be great Food Background Additional Information Requirements: A Food Science degree or ...

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Food Scientist

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

Technical Expertise * Manage multiple product development projects from conception to ... B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Food Science or related field * Strong communication, interpersonal ...

CONAGRA

Behavioral Science Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$109K - $159K/yr

Reporting to a Director of Behavioral Science, you will play an important part in helping the ... Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to ...

Conagra Brands

Behavioral Science Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$109K - $159K/yr

Reporting to a Director of Behavioral Science, you will play an important part in helping the ... Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to ...

Feastables

Senior Food Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

Manage product trials and first productions on site at comanufacturers, with the need to travel ... Preference for Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field. * Strong ...

Feastables

Senior Food Scientist

Chicago, IL

$105K - $130K/yr

Manage product trials and first productions on site at comanufacturers, with the need to travel ... Preference for Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field. * Strong ...

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 ...

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Food Science Manager information

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How much do food science manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for food science manager in Chicago, IL is $22.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food science manager do?

A Food Science Manager oversees teams that develop, test, and improve food products to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with regulations. They manage research projects, coordinate with other departments like production and marketing, and implement quality control standards. Their role often includes supervising food scientists and technologists, analyzing data from experiments, and staying updated on industry trends. Food Science Managers play a key part in launching new products and maintaining the safety and nutritional value of foods.

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

To thrive as a Food Science Manager, you need a solid background in food science, chemistry, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree and experience in food product development or quality assurance. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, food safety regulations, and systems like HACCP or SQF is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you manage teams and collaborate across departments. These skills ensure the development of safe, high-quality products while maintaining regulatory compliance and effective team operations.

What are some common challenges food science managers face when leading product development teams?

Food Science Managers often navigate the complex balance between innovation, regulatory compliance, and cost-effectiveness while leading product development teams. They must ensure that new formulations meet safety and quality standards, all while aligning with consumer trends and company goals. Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as marketing, procurement, and quality assurance—are crucial to address these challenges. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing technologies and market demands can present ongoing hurdles that require flexibility and strategic planning.

What is the difference between Food Science Manager vs Food Technologist?

AspectFood Science ManagerFood Technologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in food science, management experienceBachelor's in food science or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages projects, strategic planningDevelops and tests food products, laboratory work
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, quality assurance, R&DProduct development, quality control, testing labs

Food Science Managers typically oversee teams and projects in food companies, requiring management skills and experience, while Food Technologists focus on product development and testing. Both roles are essential in the food industry but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Science jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Food Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Science Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Food Science Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Science Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Science Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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

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

Food Science Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Science 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 $47,170 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Food Scientist

Stefanini

Glenview, IL • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Company Description

We help Procurement and Recruiting departments faced with the challenge of filling multiple IT-related openings for either long-term employment, or short-term projects. They need to find reliable candidates, with the right expertise, quickly and at the right cost to enable their company to remain competitive, and to increase profit and efficiency.


Stefanini provides the IT contract resources you need to implement crucial projects, handle short-term assignments, or fulfill long-term placements. Our IT staffing services free you from the challenges of finding, recruiting, training and retaining high-quality professional staff, and allow you to focus on managing your business growth.


We provide the ongoing skill development to ensure that professionals placed at your site are trained in leading technologies to support your information technology hardware, software, and network infrastructure. Augment your staff for short or long-term engagements, or for specialized expertise on specific projects.


We have more than 25 years of staffing industry knowledge and can provide you with superior

candidates to match your technical and professional needs.

Job Description

Performs quality testing, research and development of new and/or existing products. Modification of standard products, regulatory supervision of products and data analysis generally in the food, beverage, flavors, and chemical industries. May develop or modify internal SOPs. Responsible for qualifying multiple flavors/ingredients from several suppliers that impact finished goods in the Cheese & Dairy, Enhancers, or M&D BU within a 12 month timeframe. Job complexity involves heavy collaboration with suppliers to qualify flavors/ingredients in products and synergizing with multiple BUs that share the same flavor. 

Qualifications

Ability to work independently under the direction of senior Scientists/Engineers leveraging strong problem solving skills. 

Conduct bench top and pilot plant product development. 

Updates to supplier specifications and general spec maintenance 

Plan and execute experiments, interpret and report results, and recommend next steps. 

Support processing initiatives at the plant. 

Evaluate and utilize technical information from external and internal sources to support productivity initiatives 

Conduct plant trials to achieve above 

Direct interface w/ Business, Operations and Quality partners on initiatives from defining project goals through commercialization. 

Develop and Execute commercialization plans 

Works well in a team and is able to collaborate with Manager and others in the organization 

experience with Meridian a big plus ,Matrix, Infinity Experience would be great Food Background


Additional Information

Requirements:


A Food Science degree or Masters with 6-10 years' experience.

Product development experience 

Degree in Food Science preferred

BU experience a big plus with Multiple BU's


Apply