Sr. Research & Development Scientist - Chicago, IL

Wells Enterprises - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Chicago, IL

Textile Product Mills

About the position

The position involves leading and developing research and development (R&D) plans and strategies that encompass the entire lifecycle of new and existing products, from conceptualization through to commercialization. This role requires a blend of creativity, technical knowledge, and the ability to apply learnings to enhance value through innovation. The successful candidate will be responsible for aligning R&D initiatives with company objectives, ensuring that all projects contribute to the overall goals of the organization. In this role, the individual will direct and develop communication regarding project needs, status updates, and provide technical advice and consultancy to all stakeholders. This is crucial for promoting efficient and effective deliverables. The candidate will also be responsible for recommending and advocating for solutions and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring that the R&D team is well-informed and equipped to meet project demands. A significant aspect of the position is mentoring and educating less experienced developers in technical guidance and project management. The candidate may also take on direct line management responsibilities for one or more developers and/or temporary employees, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. The role requires spearheading complex and innovative projects, ensuring they progress from conceptualization to commercialization while adhering to project constraints such as time, target, and budget. The candidate will ensure that new product development (NPD) processes follow critical paths and maintain adherence to established guidelines. Additionally, the successful candidate will utilize a scientific approach to project work, which includes defining questions, gathering and recording information, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, analyzing data, interpreting results, and drawing conclusions. Collaboration across functions is essential to ensure that the safety, quality, and legality of manufactured products are upheld throughout the development process.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop R&D plans and strategies to support company objectives.
• Direct communication regarding project needs, status updates, and technical advice to stakeholders.
• Recommend and advocate for solutions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead teams in understanding and applying knowledge of ingredients, products, and frozen dessert manufacturing processes.
• Mentor and educate less experienced developers in technical guidance and project management.
• Take on direct line management responsibility for developers and/or temporary employees when applicable.
• Spearhead activities to take complex and innovative projects from conceptualization through commercialization.
• Ensure adherence to NPD processes and critical paths.
• Practice the scientific method in project work to ensure objectivity and data-driven conclusions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to maintain safety, quality, and legality of manufactured products.

Requirements

• Proven experience in leading R&D projects from concept to commercialization.
• Strong technical knowledge in ingredients and frozen dessert manufacturing processes.
• Excellent communication skills for stakeholder engagement and project updates.
• Ability to mentor and guide less experienced team members.
• Experience in project management and adherence to critical paths.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with the scientific method.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the food industry, particularly in frozen desserts.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for food safety and quality.
• Previous experience in a managerial role.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• 401k retirement savings plan
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling options