Kerry Group logo
Research and Development Manager
full-timeSpringfield$123k - $213k

Summary

Location

Springfield

Salary

$123k - $213k

Type

full-time

Explore Jobs

About this role

​Requisition ID 61541 
Position Type
(US)Full Time 
Workplace Arrangement  
#LI-Onsite 

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

R&D Manager will lead the research, development, and optimization of seasoning blends, flavor systems, and taste technologies for meat applications. This role requires strong technical depth, a collaborative mindset, and the confidence to present complex innovations directly to customers. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, working cross‑functionally with marketing, operations, quality, finance, and commercial teams to deliver high‑value solutions to our customers.

Key responsibilities

Technical & Product Development

  • Lead the R&D team in developing innovative taste systems for a broad range of meat products.
  • Formulate, test, and optimize seasoning blends and flavor solutions that meet customer expectations for flavor, safety, cost, and performance.
  • Conduct research on ingredient functionality, processing interactions, consumer preferences, and emerging flavor trends.
  • Ensure all formulations meet food safety, labeling, and regulatory requirements.

Customer Engagement

  • Act as a direct technical partner to customers, presenting solutions, leading working sessions, and supporting commercialization.
  • Deliver flavor capability presentations, ideation sessions, and technical workshops to create new business opportunities.
  • Troubleshoot customer challenges and provide expert recommendations using strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

Project Leadership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

  • Manage R&D resources and project priorities to ensure timely, high‑quality execution.
  • Partner with cross‑functional teams—including Marketing, Finance, Production, Quality, Procurement, and Sales—to bring new products to market.
  • Communicate project results and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

Industry & Regulatory Expertise

  • Remain current on market trends, processing technologies, ingredient innovations, and regulatory changes specific to the Meat EUM.
  • Identify new technologies or approaches to enhance Kerry’s Meat Taste Systems portfolio.

Qualifications and skills

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Meat Science, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in food product development, with a strong focus on meat product development.
  • Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
  • Strong project management, time management, and organizational abilities.
  • Ability to manage stakeholders and develop strong business relationships.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills; able to bring innovation and value to meetings.
  • Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional, collaborative environments.
  • Flexibility to adapt to project needs, customer timelines, and team demands.
  • Experience with sensory evaluation and consumer testing.
  • Knowledge of global flavor trends, ingredient sourcing, and meat application technologies.
  • Proficiency in food formulation software, including SAP.
  • Ability to construct logical development pathways that lead to effective technical solutions.
  • Demonstrated passion for continuous learning and personal skill development.

 

The pay range for this position is $123,859 $213,784 in Annual Salary.  Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role.  Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.  The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity.  Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement.  This job posting is anticipated to expire on March 31st, 2026.

​Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).                              

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.      

Recruiter  
Posting Type
DNI

Other facts

Tech stack
Food Science,Chemistry,Meat Science,Product Development,Analytical Skills,Problem-Solving,Project Management,Time Management,Organizational Abilities,Communication Skills,Presentation Skills,Sensory Evaluation,Consumer Testing,Flavor Trends,Ingredient Sourcing,Food Formulation Software

About Kerry Group

Every day, millions of people throughout the world consume foods and beverages containing Kerry’s taste and nutrition solutions. We are committed to making the world of food and beverage better for everyone, and dedicated to our Purpose, Inspiring Food, Nourishing Life.

At Kerry, we are proud to provide our customers – some of the world’s best-known food, beverage and pharma brands – with the expertise, insights and know-how they need to deliver products that people enjoy and feel better about consuming.

Kerry is a company rich in heritage and resources. Over the past five decades, our focus on changing lifestyles, the globalisation of food tastes and ever-evolving consumer needs has brought us to a market-leading global position.

Today, we are firmly established as a world leader in the food, beverage and pharma industries, with 22,000+ staff and 150+ innovation and manufacturing centres across 30+ countries.

Learn more about Kerry: www.kerry.com

Team size: 10,001+ employees
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Food and Beverage Services

What you'll do

  • The R&D Manager will lead the development and optimization of seasoning blends and flavor systems for meat applications, ensuring they meet customer expectations. This role involves collaborating with various teams to deliver high-value solutions and engaging directly with customers to troubleshoot challenges.

Ready to join Kerry Group?

Take the next step in your career journey

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kerry Group pay for a Research and Development Manager?

Kerry Group offers a competitive compensation package for the Research and Development Manager role. The salary range is USD 124k - 214k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.

What does a Research and Development Manager do at Kerry Group?

As a Research and Development Manager at Kerry Group, you will: the R&D Manager will lead the development and optimization of seasoning blends and flavor systems for meat applications, ensuring they meet customer expectations. This role involves collaborating with various teams to deliver high-value solutions and engaging directly with customers to troubleshoot challenges..

Why join Kerry Group as a Research and Development Manager?

Kerry Group is a leading Food and Beverage Services company. The Research and Development Manager role offers competitive compensation.

Is the Research and Development Manager position at Kerry Group remote?

The Research and Development Manager position at Kerry Group is based in Springfield, Arkansas, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

How do I apply for the Research and Development Manager position at Kerry Group?

You can apply for the Research and Development Manager position at Kerry Group directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about Kerry Group on their website.