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Lab Manager Jobs in Willowbrook, IL (NOW HIRING)

Socket.dev

Laboratory Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110 - $130/hr

The Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of a laboratory to ensure a safe, efficient, and compliant working environment. This role is responsible for supervising laboratory personnel, managing ...

New

The University of Chicago

Lab/Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

The Lab/Project Manager will coordinate research activities across the lab, including participant recruitment and scheduling, experiment design and implementation, and data collection and analysis.

Lab 1860

Front of House Manager

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

About Lab 1860 Lab 1860 is a Levantine café and kitchen concept opening in Orland Park, Illinois ... The Role The Front-of-House Manager is the face of the Lab 1860 guest experience. You will own the ...

Tempus

Quality Control Technologist I-III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$23.25 - $28.50/hr

Liaise with lab management and personnel to provide training, troubleshoot issues, and prioritize QC activities. * Report significant findings/deviations and system deficiencies to lab management, as ...

Lab 1860

Front of House Manager

Orland Park, IL

$55K - $70K/yr

About Lab 1860 Lab 1860 is a Levantine café and kitchen concept opening in Orland Park, Illinois ... The Role The Front-of-House Manager is the face of the Lab 1860 guest experience. You will own the ...

Tempus

Quality Control Technologist I-III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$23.25 - $28.50/hr

Liaise with lab management and personnel to provide training, troubleshoot issues, and prioritize QC activities. * Report significant findings/deviations and system deficiencies to lab management, as ...

Joliet Junior College

Culinary Lab Assistant

Joliet, IL · On-site

$15.38 - $17.30/hr

... Arts Management Program. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Meet with instructor to discuss any special needs for that day's lab class. 2. Assist students with menu production and ...

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Lab Manager information

See Willowbrook, IL salary details

$32.1K

$91K

$147.4K

How much do lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab manager in Willowbrook, IL is $90,952.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,200.00 and $109,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lab manager do?

A Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a laboratory. Their duties typically include supervising staff, ensuring safety protocols are followed, managing inventory and ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Lab Managers also coordinate experiments and research activities, and may handle budgeting and administrative tasks. Their role is crucial in ensuring the lab runs efficiently and safely.

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

To thrive as a Lab Manager, you need expertise in laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and scientific analysis, typically supported by a degree in a relevant science field and prior lab experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory software, and regulatory compliance certifications such as OSHA or CLIA is often required. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills help manage teams, coordinate projects, and ensure accurate reporting. These abilities are vital for maintaining efficient lab operations, regulatory compliance, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by lab managers when overseeing a diverse research team?

Lab Managers often encounter challenges related to coordinating schedules, managing conflicting priorities among researchers, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on support requires strong organizational skills and adaptability, especially when unexpected issues arise, such as equipment malfunctions or supply shortages. Effective communication is key to fostering collaboration and maintaining a productive work environment, as Lab Managers frequently serve as the bridge between researchers, technicians, and external vendors.

What is the difference between Lab Manager vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab ManagerLaboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant science, often with management experienceAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a science or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, and ensures compliancePerforms routine tests, prepares samples, and maintains lab equipment
ResponsibilitiesSupervises staff, manages budgets, and coordinates projectsConducts experiments, records data, and maintains lab safety

The main difference between a Lab Manager and a Laboratory Technician lies in their responsibilities and level of oversight. Lab Managers focus on managing lab operations, staff, and compliance, while Laboratory Technicians handle hands-on testing and sample preparation. Both roles require relevant scientific credentials, but Lab Managers typically have more experience and managerial skills.

How much does a lab manager make?

The average salary for a lab manager in California ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the industry sector. Salaries may also vary based on the size of the laboratory and specific responsibilities, such as overseeing staff, managing budgets, or ensuring compliance with safety standards.

What qualifications do you need to be a lab manager?

A lab manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering, along with experience in laboratory operations. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills are essential, and certifications like OSHA safety training or specific technical certifications can be advantageous.
More about Lab Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Willowbrook, IL?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Willowbrook, IL are:

What cities near Willowbrook, IL are hiring for Lab Manager jobs?

Cities near Willowbrook, IL with the most Lab Manager job openings:

Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Manager job openings in Willowbrook, 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 $90,952 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Manager, R&D - Culinary Innovation Lab

Kraft Heinz Company

Glenview, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 440 rated food and drinks producers

Job description


As a Culinary Innovation Lab Manager, you will help transform the future of R&D innovation and accelerate Kraft Heinz's growth ambitions. Our Culinary team shapes and influences food-facing innovations by combining a creative approach with deep technical expertise to drive consumer and product opportunities. We pride ourselves on being the expert culinary connection to food and cooking within the marketplace, and we are looking for a "consumer-obsessed" culinary professional - someone who is creative, strategic, independent, collaborative, and who executes with high attention to detail and effective communication. This is a hands-on R&D innovation role supporting our Culinary Innovation Lab, where we identify strategic opportunities for KHC. This individual will partner closely with internal Marketing, Insights, and R&D Innovation and Functional teams, as well as external partners, to explore, develop, and test new product, ingredient, flavor, and consumer usage opportunities. Using Design Thinking and Agile methodologies, this individual will actively drive opportunity identification, dig site prioritization, minimal viable prototype (MVP) development, and consumer product-fit learning.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
  • Apply advanced mastery of culinary fundamentals, including cooking techniques, ingredient functionality, safe food handling, and culinary nutrition, to identify consumer insights, articulate sensory attributes, and translate those insights directly into product development.

  • Leverage knowledge of functional ingredients and formulation principles to develop minimal viable prototypes (MVPs) for consumer testing, learning, and validation; apply sensory evaluation best practices to assess and communicate product performance.

  • Lead culinary research to turn food trends, consumer insights, and competitive intelligence into innovation opportunities and strategic concepts aligned to business priorities.

  • Plan, develop, and execute culinary projects including competitive landscape reviews, immersions, trend presentations, concept ideation sessions, and product cuttings in partnership with the Innovation Lab Lead.

  • Serve as a creative and collaborative cross-functional partner, connecting culinary expertise to R&D, Marketing, Insights, and external partners throughout the innovation process.

  • Drive strategic thinking, clear communication, and proactive ownership across all assigned work; demonstrate consistent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities.

  • Leads end-to-end culinary workstreams within innovation initiatives, with accountability for delivering against defined objectives, timelines, and business outcomes.

  • Influences cross-functional decision-making related to innovation strategy, concept prioritization, and product direction.

  • Manages multiple concurrent innovation initiatives across brands, platforms, or categories, ensuring alignment to commercial viability and business priorities.

  • Translates culinary concepts into scalable product opportunities, incorporating consumer insights, technical feasibility, and business considerations.

Expected Experience & Required Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in culinary arts, food science, nutrition, or a closely related field with a minimum of 6 years of progressive culinary experience with demonstrable expertise in product development, cooking techniques, and flavor application.

  • Minimum 3 years of experience in a corporate CPG or food manufacturing R&D environment.

  • Proven ability to develop and evaluate MVPs using structured sensory and consumer research methods (e.g., descriptive/scoring, discrimination testing) in partnership with sensory and insights teams.

  • Working knowledge of food safety principles (HACCP, GMP, allergen management) and safe culinary lab practices.

  • Demonstrated ability to apply Agile and Design Thinking frameworks within an innovation or product development process.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong project management and cross-functional influencing capabilities.

  • Experience with recipe management systems, PLM platforms, or SAP in a product development workflow.

  • RCA Certified Research Chef (CRC®) or equivalent culinary R&D / product development certification, preferred.

  • Familiarity with consumer research methods including CLTs, HUTs, or focus group facilitation.

  • Exposure to upstream innovation processes including trend scouting, dig site methodology, or white space identification.

  • Ability to travel up to 15% of the time

Work Environment & Schedule
This position operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week, with an expectation to work on-site at least three days per week at the Glenview R&D Innovation Center.
Physical demands include but not limited to
  • Constant standing and walking in a kitchen/lab/plant environment for extended periods.

  • Frequent use of hands and arms for food preparation, weighing/measuring, knife work, stirring, mixing, and operating small equipment; repetitive motions are common.

  • Occasional lifting/carrying ingredients and equipment (e.g., up to 25-50 lbs, with or without reasonable accommodation).

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:
$104,200.00 - $130,200.00
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.

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