Functional Ingredients Innovation Manager
Location: Big Bend, WI
Compensation: $100,000 to $120,000 + annual bonus
Position Type: Full-Time, On-site
About the Role
The Functional Ingredients Innovation Manager leads scientific development and product innovation efforts focused on enhancing the performance, stability, and delivery of functional and nutritional ingredients. This role provides leadership within the R&D team, supports customer-driven projects, and drives the creation of advanced ingredient solutions for food, beverage, and nutritional applications.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead and mentor R&D lab staff, fostering a collaborative and innovative technical environment.
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Manage product development projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring performance, cost, and timeline targets are met.
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Develop and optimize functional ingredient systems that enhance nutrient or functional delivery, stability, and performance.
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Conduct hands-on lab work, including prototyping, benchtop formulation, and pilot-scale testing.
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Analyze and clearly communicate scientific findings through technical reports, presentations, and customer-facing documents.
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Troubleshoot formulations, address raw material challenges, and support escalated technical issues.
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Ensure accurate specifications, nutritional data, and regulatory-compliant documentation.
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Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Production, QA, and customers to align innovation with business needs.
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Maintain awareness of regulatory requirements and industry trends related to functional and nutritional ingredients.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or related field; Master’s preferred.
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5+ years of experience in R&D, product development, or functional ingredient innovation within food or nutritional manufacturing.
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Hands-on lab and/or pilot plant experience.
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Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, delivery systems, and formulation science.
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Proven ability to manage multiple projects with strong attention to detail.
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Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
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Experience leading or mentoring technical staff is a plus.
Thank you,
Rachel Stewart
Senior Project Manager
LaSalle Network
#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.