Food Developer

At WK Kellogg Co, we exist to create joy and connection to inspire Gr-r-reat days. We believe that doing good is always good for business and we have stood for this since Kellogg Company was founded more than 120 years ago. We are passionate about doing our part to make nutritious foods, create social connectivity and respect natural resources. Together, these actions create positive progress for people and the planet – today and for years to come. We have big plans for how we are going to accomplish this, and we would love for you to join us in this effort.

JOB OVERVIEW

Ever wondered what it takes to turn a great food idea into a product enjoyed by millions? As a Food Developer at WK Kellogg, you'll have the opportunity to bring innovation to life, from early concepts and prototypes to full-scale production. You'll combine creativity, food science, and technical expertise to develop new products, improve existing favorites, and solve challenges that make a real difference to our business and consumers.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

- Lead food product development and renovation projects from concept and prototyping through testing, scale-up, and commercialization.
- Develop innovative product formulations, prototypes, and process improvements that meet consumer expectations, quality standards, and business objectives.
- Plan and execute laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing trials, including coordinating resources, equipment, materials, and testing requirements.
- Partner with Marketing, Procurement, Quality, Food Safety, Engineering, Operations, and other cross-functional teams to bring product concepts to market.
- Evaluate new ingredients, technologies, and processing methods to identify opportunities for innovation, improved product quality, and cost savings.
- Analyze consumer testing, sensory evaluations, shelf-life studies, and technical data to guide product development decisions.
- Collaborate with suppliers and external partners to evaluate ingredients, materials, and technical solutions.
- Support manufacturing startups and commercialization activities, troubleshooting technical challenges and optimizing processes to achieve product and performance objectives.
- Develop and maintain accurate formulations, specifications, testing documentation, and technical reports while ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
- Manage project timelines, resources, and technical priorities while communicating progress, risks, and recommendations to key stakeholders.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to project teams, sharing expertise and coaching others to strengthen organizational capability.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

- Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 6–9 years of relevant experience; OR a Master of Science degree in Food Science or a related discipline with 3–6 years of relevant experience; OR a PhD in Food Science or a related discipline with 2–5 years of relevant experience.
- Experience in food product development, formulation, process development, or related research and development activities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage technical projects, coordinate resources, and deliver results across multiple priorities.
- Experience with product testing, scale-up, troubleshooting, and commercialization processes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret technical data and develop practical solutions.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and influencing skills with the ability to work effectively across technical and business functions.
- Ability to balance innovation, product quality, cost considerations, and business objectives throughout the development process.

Preferred:

- Experience within the food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods industry.
- Experience developing or renovating cereal, grain-based, or related food products.
- Knowledge of ingredient functionality, food processing technologies, sensory evaluation, and shelf-life testing.
- Experience with SAP or similar formulation and product documentation systems.
- Experience collaborating with external suppliers, co-manufacturers, and research partners.
- Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership, coaching, or guidance to cross-functional project teams.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

- Collaborative, hybrid work environment based in Battle Creek, Michigan, with an expectation of working onsite three days per week.
- Combination of office, laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments, including hands-on involvement in product testing and commercialization activities.
- Regular collaboration with cross-functional teams, manufacturing facilities, suppliers, and external technical partners.
- Travel up to 50% may be required to support manufacturing trials, product development activities, and collaboration with internal and external partners, including potential international travel.

WORK SCHEDULE

- Primarily standard business hours, with flexibility required to support product trials, manufacturing startups, travel, and project needs.
- Occasional work outside regular business hours, including alternate shifts and weekends, may be required.

Salary Range: $103,120 – 128,900

At WK Kellogg Co, our success depends on our most vital asset — our people. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with benefits and programs that support your Total Health and your journey to be and feel your best — physically, financially, emotionally, and socially. Although subject to change, the below are the benefits currently offered in association with this position:

- Incentive Plan bonus eligibility
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Savings and Investment Plan with Company match and contribution
- Paid Time Off (includes paid sick time)
- 11 Paid Holidays
- Life Insurance, AD and D Insurance and STD/LTD
- Tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance for eligible employees
- Employee recognition program

The above offerings are subject to the terms of WKKC policies, which will control in the event of a conflict with the above descriptions.

Our comprehensive and competitive benefits not only deliver value to you and your family but also offer choice to meet your unique needs and knowledge to empower confident decision-making.

ABOUT WK KELLOGG CO

At WK Kellogg Co, we bring our best to everyone, every day through our trusted foods and brands. Our journey began in 1894, when our founder W.K. Kellogg reimagined the future of food with the creation of Corn Flakes, changing breakfast forever. Since then, we have embraced the same spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in everything we do, channeling our founder’s passion and commitment to creating high quality and delicious products while fostering communities. Our iconic brand portfolio includes Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Froot Loops, Kashi, Special K, Raisin Bran, Frosted Mini Wheats, and Bear Naked. With a presence in the majority of households across North America, our brands play a key role in enhancing the lives of millions of consumers every day, promoting a strong sense of physical, emotional and societal wellbeing. Our beloved brand characters, including Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam, represent our deep connections with the consumers and communities we serve. For more information, visit  www.wkkellogg.com .

WK Kellogg Co is proud to offer competitive industry benefits (Physical, Financial, Emotional, and Social) that vary depending on region and type of role. Be sure to ask your recruiter for more information!

If we can help you with a reasonable accommodation throughout the application or hiring process, please email [email protected].

Let’s create gr-r-reat days,

WK Kellogg Co Recruitment

THE FINER PRINT

The ability to work a full shift, come to work on time, work overtime as needed and the ability to work according to the necessary schedule to meet job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation is an essential function of this position. 
 
WK Kellogg Co 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. 
 
This position uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the screening and assessment of applications. 
 
This job posting is for a current vacancy.