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Formulation Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Scientist

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

... formulation for both FIH and commercialization * Make concise scientific presentations of experimental results to the management and author detailed scientific technical reports. * Author CMC ...

Alerts formulation team when corrective action is needed. * Maintains an accurate inventory of ... Maintains equipment quality and alerts management when corrective action is needed. * Follows all ...

Analytical Chemist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Collaborate with toxicology, formulation, and study management teams to support study timelines * Prepares SOPs and study specific methodologies * Leads and coordinates activities of less experienced ...

Manager, R&D - Product Dev

Glenview, IL · On-site

$112K - $141K/yr

R&D Manager, Away from Home and KHI Product Development The R&D Manager, Away From Home and KHI ... Strong knowledge of ingredients, product formulation, processing equipment, ingredient interactions ...

... formulation design and comparability * Drive fundamental understanding of CQAs, degradation mechanisms and product/excipient interactions * Manage departmental budget, analytical laboratories and ...

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Formulation Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$23

$43

How much do formulation manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for formulation manager in Chicago, IL is $23.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Formulation Managers?

Formulation Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the development and optimization of product formulations, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and chemicals. They lead teams to design, test, and refine product mixtures to meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards. Their role often involves coordinating with research, production, and quality assurance departments to ensure that product formulations are effective, stable, and cost-efficient. Formulation Managers also stay updated on industry trends and regulatory changes to keep their company's products competitive. Effective communication, project management, and technical expertise are key skills for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by a Formulation Manager in coordinating cross-functional teams?

Formulation Managers often work closely with R&D, quality assurance, regulatory, and production teams to bring new products from concept to launch. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment across departments, especially when dealing with tight timelines or shifting project priorities. Balancing technical requirements, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing feasibility can also be demanding. Successful Formulation Managers are proactive in problem-solving and skilled at fostering strong collaboration to keep projects on track.

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

To thrive as a Formulation Manager, you need a solid background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree and experience in product formulation. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, formulation development software, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills help you effectively lead teams and navigate complex product development cycles. These competencies are crucial for ensuring product quality, regulatory adherence, and timely delivery of innovative formulations.

What is the difference between Formulation Manager vs Formulation Scientist?

AspectFormulation ManagerFormulation Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Pharmacy, or related field; often requires experience in project managementBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Pharmacy, or related field; focus on research skills
Work EnvironmentOversees teams in R&D or manufacturing settings, manages projects, and coordinates formulation developmentConducts laboratory research, experiments, and formulation testing
Industry UsageCommonly used in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and chemical industries for leadership rolesPrimarily used in research and development departments for formulation development

The Formulation Manager typically oversees formulation projects, manages teams, and ensures product development aligns with business goals. In contrast, the Formulation Scientist focuses on conducting experiments and developing formulations in the lab. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in responsibilities and scope within the formulation process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Formulation jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Formulation jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Formulation Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Formulation Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior Formulation Scientist

Prinova US LLC

Carol Stream, IL

$120K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Prinova rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Unlock your potential with Prinova
We are Prinova, a leading global supplier of ingredients and premix manufacturing solutions, and trusted by the world’s best-known food, beverage, and nutrition brands.
Part of the NAGASE Group, our expertise lies in Ingredient Distribution, Manufacturing Solutions, and Customized Services. Our global network of colleagues, located in offices and manufacturing facilities around the world, deliver sustainable value-added solutions to our customers. We are recognized for our deep expertise, commitment to excellence, and bold innovation, which have earned us a strong reputation as a trusted industry leader.
Wherever your career is headed, you’ll find direction, opportunity, and belonging with us.
Senior Formulation Scientist
Department: R amp;D, Solutions
Location: Carol Stream, IL
Type: Full-time
Summary:
The Senior Formulation Scientist serves as a senior technical authority within the Solutions R amp;D team, responsible for leading complex formulation projects from concept through commercialization. The Senior Formulation Scientist acts as a lead formulator and primary technical contact for key customer accounts, providing deep technical expertise, independent project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.
As a senior individual contributor, this role supports organizational capability through technical mentorship, customer partnership, and process excellence, while operating with a high level of autonomy and scientific judgment. The Senior Formulation Scientist does not have people management responsibilities but plays a critical role in developing technical depth across the R amp;D function.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following, but are not limited to:
  • Lead the design, optimization, and commercialization of complex formulations and create technical documents.
  • Serve as a technical owner of assigned key global accounts.
  • Create, review, and maintain formulation documentation, specifications, and technical deliverables.
  • Support formulation scale-up activities in partnership with the R amp;D sample lab, manufacturing, and operations teams.
  • Apply analytical, stoichiometric, and scale-up principles to formulation problem solving and optimization.
  • Act as the primary technical contact for customer discussions, including unsupervised customer visits and technical presentations.
  • Collaborate effectively with Sales, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, Manufacturing, and other cross-functional partners on formulation initiatives.
  • Participate in ECOs, ingredient substitutions, and formulation refinements to support continuous improvement.
  • Support technical onboarding, training delivery, and mentorship of R amp;D team members.
  • Serve as an internal technical resource and represent R amp;D in cross-functional forums or onboarding discussions.
  • May provide temporary coverage for select formulation approvals or project acceptance, at the direction of the R amp;D Manager, to support business continuity.
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational objectives.
  • Other duties may be assigned
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Education and/or Experience:
  • BS/BA Degree in Food Science/Nutrition/Chemistry preferred.
  • 10+ years’ experience in the food industry in a scientific role OR 7+ years in a food/supplement formulation role at a food/supplement company.
Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Advanced formulation design expertise with production blending or process flow experience (both preferred).
  • Strong understanding of formulation scalability and manufacturing constraints.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word.
  • Experience working with and reading work orders and technical documentation.
  • Must have competence in analytical or mathematical calculations, especially those in stoichiometric and/or scale-up processes.
  • Be able to use wet chemical lab equipment, including but not limited to lab scales.
  • Be able to manage large projects by themselves or with a team.
Travel:
Light, including customer site visits as needed
Work Conditions amp; Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Ability to view a computer screen and type for extended hours
  • Ability to adjust work schedule as business needs require.
Quality/Safety Responsibilities:
All Prinova employees are required to ensure compliance standards with food safety, food defense, and food quality (FDA, ILDPH, FSMA, and BRC).
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with occupational safety and health standards issued under OSHA and to follow all rules, regulations, and procedures established by the Company to ensure that their actions do not impact on the health and safety of themselves or others.
What’s in it for you?
Competitive Pay – $120,000 - $135,000 annually
Experience, education, geographic location and shift all taken into consideration.
Benefits:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Employer paid STD and LTD
  • HSA and FSA
  • Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • PTO
  • Employer paid Basic Life Insurance
  • 401(k) amp; Roth with employer match
  • Eight Paid Holidays + 3 Floating Holidays
  • Voluntary - Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident
  • Personal growth including training and development opportunities
Disclaimer: Prinova is committed to providing equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, creed, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, medical leave, marital status, citizenship status, ancestry, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, domestic violence victim status, Civil Air Patrol status, or any other characteristic or group status protected under applicable law.

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