Bel, makers of iconic brands including GoGo squeeZ, Babybel, The Laughing Cow, and Boursin is a growing global company that values your contributions, strives to create a sense of belonging for everyone and offers career growth and development opportunities, as well as competitive total compensation and meaningful well-being benefits from day one. For All, For Good, our company signature, reflects Bel’s commitment to sustainability and healthier and responsible food for all. The company has headquarters in Chicago (Bel Brands USA) and New York City (GoGo Squeez) and operates 4 manufacturing plants in Little Chute, WI; Brookings, SD; Traverse City, MI; and Nampa, ID.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Research and Development (R&D) Food Formulation Manager will lead a team of food scientists to drive product innovation, process optimization, and market-ready solutions. This role balances hands-on technical expertise with managerial responsibilities, ensuring the seamless execution of new product development, recipe improvements, packaging innovations, and commercialization processes. The manager will function as a pivotal collaborator across R&D, manufacturing, marketing, and operations teams to deliver against business objectives while fostering an innovative research culture.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field. A Ph.D. is a plus!
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in food product development, with at least 3 years in a managerial or team-lead capacity.
• Expertise: Expertise in food formulation, ingredient functionality, and manufacturing processes. Strong experience with regulatory compliance (domestic and international).
• Management: Proven ability to manage and inspire teams, delegate responsibilities, and optimize productivity.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Leadership and Team Building: Demonstrates the ability to mentor and motivate a team of R&D professionals. Build a collaborative and innovative culture by addressing challenges and maintaining engagement.
• Technical Expertise in Food Science: Apply deep technical knowledge of food ingredients, recipe development, and processing systems to troubleshoot formulations and achieve desired product outcomes.
• Project Management: Effectively organize and prioritize multiple projects. Use tools like Gantt charts or software (e.g., Microsoft Project) to maintain timelines and communicate milestones.
• Problem-Solving & Innovation: Resolve technical and operational challenges using analytical thinking and creative solutions, particularly in scaling experimental recipes to mass production.
• Communication and Collaboration: Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, translating technical food science concepts into actionable insights or business strategies.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by the employee assigned to this position. It does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested management. All requirements are subject to change over time and to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.