Sr. Manager, Research & Development

Work Location : ​Chicago​

Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for : effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Want to make an impact?

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative Senior Manager to join our R&D team with a strong focus on front-end and whitespace product development. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in driving the creation and enhancement of cutting-edge products, ensuring they meet market demands and exceed customer expectations.

Ways you will make a difference

• Lead and manage front-end product development initiatives, focusing on user experience, design, and functionality.
• Identify and explore whitespace opportunities to develop innovative products that fill market gaps and drive growth.
• Drive category growth by focusing on innovations that meet unmet consumer needs.
• Collaborate closely with marketing leads to align product development strategies with market trends and customer needs.
• Assist in building business cases for new technologies, providing insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
• Manage a team of food scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Foster a culture of innovation within the R&D team, encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge.
• Ensure all product development processes adhere to quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee new product development from benchtop ideas to proof of concept and production feasibility.

Skills that will make you successful

Experiences that will support your success

#LI-Onsite

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https : / / flimp.live / Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $112,500 - $157,000 annually.