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Research Development Manager Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

FUJIFILM Biotechnologies

As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, creating agility and efficiency in resource management across R&D to ensure timely delivery of programs and initiatives. Builds talent and ...

Curt G. Joa, Inc.

R&D Manager

Sheboygan Falls, WI · On-site

The R&D Engineering Manager is a bold, high-impact leader at the forefront of innovation and execution. Highly visible and influential, this role accelerates corporate strategy by shaping world-class ...

Apricity

Development Manager

Neenah, WI · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Must bring proven, handson expertise in researching funding opportunities, developing compelling ... Partner with the development team to solicit and manage sponsorship and match opportunities for ...

LiphaTech Inc

R&D Biologist

Milwaukee, WI

Inform the R&D Manager immediately of any SOP or protocol deviations. * Assist in drafting new study protocols, compiling and analyzing results, and preparing final reports for both corporate records ...

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Research Development Manager information

See Wisconsin salary details

$49K

$102.7K

$166.5K

How much do research development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development manager in Wisconsin is $102,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,200.00 and $117,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Research Development Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Development ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field, along with project management experienceUsually holds a master's or Ph.D. in a specific scientific discipline
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and coordinates research efforts within organizationsConducts experiments, analyzes data, and develops new scientific knowledge
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in R&D departments across industries like pharmaceuticals, tech, and manufacturingFound in laboratories, research institutes, and academic settings

The Research Development Manager focuses on overseeing research projects, managing teams, and aligning research goals with organizational strategies. In contrast, the Research Scientist primarily conducts experiments and generates scientific data. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What is a Research Development Manager?

A Research Development Manager is a professional responsible for supporting and enhancing research activities within an organization, typically in academic, scientific, or corporate settings. They help identify funding opportunities, facilitate collaborations, and provide strategic guidance to researchers during grant proposal development. Their role often includes managing research projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and helping translate research ideas into successful funding applications. Research Development Managers play a critical role in advancing the organization's research agenda and maximizing funding success.

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

To thrive as a Research Development Manager, you need strong project management, grant writing, and analytical skills, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, funding databases, and compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking abilities help you build partnerships and lead cross-functional teams effectively. These skills are crucial for securing research funding, ensuring compliance, and advancing organizational research goals.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Development Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Research Development Managers often navigate challenges such as balancing multiple complex projects, securing funding, and coordinating across diverse teams. To address these, strong organizational skills and proactive communication are essential. Building robust relationships with researchers, administrators, and external partners helps streamline collaboration, while staying updated on funding opportunities can increase success rates for grant proposals. Regularly attending professional development workshops also helps managers stay current with best practices in research administration.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Research Development Manager jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Research Development Manager job openings:
Research Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Manager job openings in Wisconsin as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,746 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Research & Development Manager

Gecko Hospitality

Sun Prairie, WI • Hybrid

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

QSR Research & Development Manager


We are seeking an accomplished Project Manager with a proven R&D pedigree to champion groundbreaking innovation and targeted operational improvement initiatives for our Sun Prairie, WI location. As our brand grows—expanding its fast-casual presence by 25% in just two years—we rely on leaders who rigorously engineer and optimize processes with quantifiable impact. This role is tailored for candidates fluent in research methodology, KPI deployment, and analytical benchmarking. It drives business-critical projects that accelerate service speed, improve product excellence, and produce measurable unit profitability across our QSR network.


This position offers high-impact R&D professionals the opportunity to architect and implement innovative systems grounded in rigorous KPIs and analytics. You will design research frameworks, set quantifiable benchmarks, and drive projects that deliver immediate operational gains and sustained process improvements.


The Opportunity


You will spearhead innovation initiatives from concept inception through rigorous field testing and enterprise-wide rollout, consistently anchoring each phase in structured R&D methodology. Success in this role is measured by your ability to build and refine formal R&D processes—establishing metrics-driven timelines, actionable milestones, and robust KPI frameworks that drive accountability. Leveraging in-depth market research and competitive analysis, you will develop, deploy, and iterate operational solutions, using clearly defined KPIs and benchmarking to validate outcomes and optimize efficiency, guest experience, and profitability based on direct field feedback.


Core Responsibilities

  • Process Engineering & KPI Deployment: Lead and architect R&D-driven projects that accelerate speed of service, boost accuracy, and elevate guest satisfaction—all anchored in measurable KPIs. Implement innovative process improvements and conduct post-initiative analysis to validate results against established performance metrics.
  • Cross-Functional R&D Collaboration: Direct cross-departmental innovation by integrating rigorous research methodology, KPI design, and analytical benchmarking with Operations, Marketing, Design, Supply Chain, Risk, and Analytics. Ensure every operational rollout is quantifiable measured and refined.
  • Change Management with Quantitative Impact: Oversee system updates and project launches across franchisees and teams, using data-driven KPIs to monitor adoption rates and operational outcomes. Facilitate continuous feedback loops for rapid R&D iteration and measurable performance uplift.
  • Training & Implementation Excellence: Develop comprehensive training assets—manuals, video modules, live webinars, and on-site programming—rooted in best-in-class R&D learning models. Track training effectiveness and workplace adoption with robust learning KPIs.
  • Leadership, Mentorship & Results Presentation: Present project outcomes and KPI dashboards to executive leadership, making data-backed recommendations. Mentor innovation team members in advanced R&D principles and success metrics, cultivating an internal pipeline of analytical leaders.

Professional Requirements

  • 5+ years of direct experience in R&D, innovation, or operational improvement within the food industry, specifically focusing on QSR or fast-casual environments.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant industry experience.
  • Proven track record of delivering measurable operational or product improvements.
  • Advanced communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Expertise in managing multiple concurrent initiatives while maintaining strict project timelines.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Planner, and OneNote.


What We Offer

We value the expertise you bring to our operational infrastructure. We provide our corporate leaders with:

  • Highly competitive base compensation with strong performance-based bonus potential.
  • Flexible work hours and a comprehensive hybrid work model.
  • Premium Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance packages.
  • Clear pathways for career advancement within our expanding innovation department.

Apply today to lead transformative projects in Sun Prairie, WI. Send your resume directly to laraine@geckohospitality.com to begin the conversation.