Technical Manager, R&D Ops Excellence AS&O - Decatur, IL

ADM is seeking a Technical Manager of R&D Operational Excellence – AS&O to support and influence oilseeds processing cost margins by improving operational capability via R&D initiatives. In this role, you will leverage deep technical and scientific knowledge of oilseeds processing to develop R&D‑based initiatives that reduce unit cost and drive the adoption of cutting‑edge technologies. Success in this position implements initiatives to create durable competitive advantage through higher asset productivity, lower variability, and improved cost discipline.

This role would partner with Operations (including Engineering and Technology center), Global Ops, Supply Chain, and Finance to reduce cost per unit, improve asset utilization, and embed a culture of continuous improvement. This role ensures that operational improvements translate into verified financial impact by bridging the scientific innovation of R&D with manufacturing execution.

• Lead and support R&D initiatives to reduce cost per ton/unit across oilseeds processing facilities by applying scientific process knowledge and novel R&D technologies.
• Lead and support R&D initiatives on yield variance using scientific principles and advanced data analytics.
• Identify and drive implementation of R&D initiatives that directly improve OEE, yield, labor productivity, and overhead absorption through rigorous technical analysis and advanced manufacturing integration.
• Drive waste elimination and by‑product optimization through innovative technical solutions.
• Use standard productivity metrics and benchmarking across plants to evaluate the success of newly adopted technologies against established KPIs.
• Establish technical cost baselines and performance scorecards for R&D‑driven oilseeds processing operational initiatives.
• Ensure R&D lead initiatives identify high level countermeasures to ensure sustainment for project scale‑up.
• Partner with Finance and Operations to validate savings, prevent double counting, and track sustainment of R&D driven initiatives.
• Network with similar oilseeds processing locations to promote replication, implementation and sustainment of high‑impact R&D initiatives.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Sciences, Technology, with a strong preference for degrees in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemistry, or Food Science.
• 10+ years of experience in oilseeds processing or similar manufacturing.
• Deep technical and scientific understanding of oilseeds process manufacturing, reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and scale‑up methodologies.
• Financial understanding of oilseeds processing operational KPIs and their impact on P&Ls to support R&D driven initiatives.

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. The pay range for this position is expected to be between $92,800.00 and $.

• 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).

• 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, language training and mentoring programs.

We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.