Lead food designer

This job is with Kellanova, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Join our Away From Home organization as a Lead Food Designer, creating new food people will enjoy. Lead and collaborate on multiple innovation projects across our business segments and with interdependence to the retail category R&D teams. Primarily focused on Snacking, you will lead and support projects from ideation through scale-up for new products. Apply your knowledge of food science and process technology across multiple food processing and technology platforms. This position can be based out of Battle Creek, MI, Chicago, or Naperville, IL, and will work in a flexible, hybrid model with weekly in-office days. Estimated travel is 25-40% (will be closer to 40% for individuals located in the Chicago area).

Develop and refine food process technology from idea generation through proof of concept to commercialization. You will assume the role of innovator, project leader, and technical problem solver. Team up with cross-functional partners to provide timely and cost-effective innovation and renovation to drive growth. Work across one or more Kellanova’s categories on some of our most iconic brands like Cheez-It, Pringles, Pop-Tarts, and RX!

A Taste Of What You’ll Be Doing

• Drive Business Growth - Lead and support research and development projects from end to end. Manage projects on technical and culinary investigations or developments.
• Leadership – Demonstrate personal capabilities to lead as a technical expert: creating, planning, experimenting, scaling up, communicating, and collaborating to drive results.
• What’s Trending? – Discover white space opportunities, trending ingredients and food forms as well as competitive benchmarking.
• Innovation/Creativity – Provide innovative, timely, and cost-effective developments. This will include concepts, developments, and commercialization. Share scientific insight and understanding with respect to new or existing products or processes.
• Technical Expertise - Use your technical and culinary acumen, leadership, and expertise within the field. You will focus on innovation, renovation, and support of strategic customer and supplier partnerships. 
  
  

We’re Looking for Someone With

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science, Science or Engineering or related field and strong relevant experience.
• Proven track record of leadership, business acumen, communication skills, and diplomacy.
• Strong leadership skills that will promote good relations with cross functional teams. This includes other business, technical and scientific disciplines in the effective execution of projects.
• Ability to manage sustaining and transforming Innovation projects (flavor extensions, renovations, new products).
• Culinary background is preferred for this role, as is a knowledge of back of house application for customer specific innovation.
  
  

Compensation

The annual salary range is $113,700 - $149,200, which is based on various factors such as location, experience and skill. Discretionary bonuses based on company and individual performance are also available.

What’s Next

Applications for this position will be accepted through September 28, 2025. After you apply, your application will be reviewed by a real recruiter, so it may take us a few weeks to get back with you by email or phone. Visit our How We Hire page to get insights into our hiring process and more about what we offer. All applicants must have permanent legal authorization to work in the United States. Kellanova does not sponsor employment visas for this role.

Need assistance throughout the application or hiring process? Email [email protected].

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, employee assistance program, short-term disability coverage, and long-term disability insurance. Also, voluntary income protection benefits such as supplemental life, accident as well as a 401(k) plan with company contributions is available. Part-time employees may have access to benefits on a pro-rated basis. See KellanovaTotalHealth.com for more information.

Get to Know Us

At Kellanova, we are driven by our vision to be the world’s best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our portfolio of iconic, world-class brands include Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Tresor, Crunchy Nut, among others.

Kellanova’s Culture of Best means we bring our best to all that we do in pursuit of our vision to be the world’s best performing snacks-led powerhouse. Our culture celebrates boldness and empowers our people to challenge the status quo, achieve results, and win together.

Our focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) enables us to build a culture of belonging where all employees have a place at the table and are inspired to share their passion, talents and ideas to work.

Mars has agreed to acquire Kellanova in a combination that will shape the future of snacking! The transaction is anticipated to close towards the end of 2025 (subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals). The companies remain separate until closing.

You can learn more at and our hiring teams will be happy to discuss further questions if your application advances in the hiring process.

Let’s shape the future of snacking.

Kellanova is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, please visit our website here .