Senior R&D Manager

Overview

Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives!

We are a privately held, family-owned-and-operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet.

We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet’s natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come.

We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.

We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

This is a senior leadership role within the food ingredients business. The Senior R&D Manager will define, propose, and implement the strategy for new product development and improvement of existing lines. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, contribute to the business unit’s strategic plan, and serve as a key interface between R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial functions. Your work will ensure product safety, regulatory compliance, and market relevance across Latin America.

At Kemin, we value diversity and inclusion. We have job openings for people with disabilities. Come work with us!

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage R&D projects focused on food chemistry, including formulation, ingredient interactions, shelf-life, and sensory performance.
• Develop and implement strategic research plans aligned with business and consumer trends.
• Oversee the development of new food products and improvement of existing ones, ensuring quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Quality, Regulatory, and Operations to bring innovations to market.
• Monitor emerging technologies, scientific literature, and market trends to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Ensure all R&D activities comply with food safety standards and relevant regulations (e.g., ANVISA, FDA, EFSA).
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of scientists and technologists.

Qualifications

• D. or master’s in food chemistry, Food Science, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in food R&D, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Deep understanding of food ingredient functionality, chemical interactions, and processing technologies.
• Proven track record of successful product development and commercialization.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, regulatory frameworks, and quality systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience with clean label, plant-based, or functional food development.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, rheology, and sensory analysis.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate scientific insights into consumer-relevant innovations.
• Experience in managing intellectual property and patent processes.