Senior Food Scientist - Bakery - Decatur, IL

Job Description Senior Food Scientist - Bakery - Decatur, IL

The Senior Food Scientist - Bakery will utilize their food science expertise to drive sales through the development of compelling, innovative and winning products. This position will work closely and cross‑functionally with R&D, Technical Services, Technical Sales, and Sales & Marketing teams. The successful candidate will be self‑motivated, agile and team oriented.

• Provide technical leadership and strong project management for internal and external customer projects
• Lead development of Bakery food products, including bakery mixes, and various flour‑based bakery and snack items
• Provide thought leadership and technical expertise for innovation initiatives
• Consult with and participate in Flour and Baking industry‑based research projects

• Development and optimization of food product formulations
• Responsible for designing and running test formulations
• Identification and development of cost improvement opportunities
• Support manufacturing scale‑up from bench to pilot plant and pilot plant to commercialization, partnering with R&D where appropriate
• Project management – lead multiple product development and application projects with expedited timelines, leading complex and cross‑functional projects
• Develop and maintain technical‑to‑technical relationships with customers
• Conduct internal and external product demonstrations
• Accompany Account Managers on sales calls to serve as technical contact
• Communicate effectively in verbal and written forms, including presentation of products and technical information to peers, leadership and customers
• Maintain awareness of industry trends and new ingredient innovations and offerings
• Possibly have direct report responsibility
• Follow basic GMP, GLP and ISO procedures
• Travel up to 25% of the time

• Sense of urgency, acceptance of change, communication, technical knowledge, quality‑mindedness, collaboration, flexibility, teamwork, problem solving, dependability, curiosity, integrity and commitment to safety.

• BS or higher (Food Science or related)
• 5+ years product development and applications experience
• Industrial and/or retail bakery experience is valued
• Hands‑on baked goods category experience expected (Bread, Buns, Snacks, Flatbreads, Ready Meals, Sweet Goods)
• Knowledge of food industry, food ingredients, manufacturing processes and regulations
• Food product commercialization experience preferred

Excited about this role but don’t think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non‑exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

The pay range for this position is expected to be between: $ - $

The total compensation package for this position will also include an annual bonus.

Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well‑being, including:

• Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on‑site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
• Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
• Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).

Additional benefits include:

• Paid time off, including paid holidays.
• Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Company‑sponsored training and development resources, such as Linked In Learning,…