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Protein Research Manager - Decatur, IL
ADM
Decatur, IL, USA
USD 92,800-171,600 / year + Equity
Posted on Apr 28, 2026
Manager, Protein Research - Decatur, IL
We are seeking a highly skilled Protein Research Manager to lead ingredient development and optimization while collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners to drive open innovation and support growth in protein nutrition solutions.
In this role, you will play a critical part in advancing ADM’s research and development efforts in plant-based ingredients. Your primary responsibilities will include leading new protein ingredient development projects, driving structure–function characterization, and executing optimization and productivity initiatives to achieve commercial success.
This position reports to the Global R&D Director for Alternative Proteins within the Human Nutrition Research team. It is based on-site in Decatur, IL, and may require up to 15-25% travel.
Key Responsibilities
Education & Experience
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
REF:108435BR
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.
If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
The pay range for this position is expected to be between:
$92,800.00 - $171,600.00
Salaried Incentive Plan
The total compensation package for this position will also include annual bonus
Benefits And Perks
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:
#IncludingYou
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.
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
About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.
Req/Job ID
108435BR
We are seeking a highly skilled Protein Research Manager to lead ingredient development and optimization while collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners to drive open innovation and support growth in protein nutrition solutions.
In this role, you will play a critical part in advancing ADM’s research and development efforts in plant-based ingredients. Your primary responsibilities will include leading new protein ingredient development projects, driving structure–function characterization, and executing optimization and productivity initiatives to achieve commercial success.
This position reports to the Global R&D Director for Alternative Proteins within the Human Nutrition Research team. It is based on-site in Decatur, IL, and may require up to 15-25% travel.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and advise on the discovery and development of scalable protein solutions for the food industry
- Drive and execute projects focused on protein portfolio diversification aligned with ADM’s Specialty Ingredients strategy
- Manage and mentor scientists while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders on the development, analysis, and optimization of protein solutions
- Develop and refine structure–function analytical methodologies for ingredient characterization
- Lead and execute competitive intelligence initiatives for protein ingredients
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, analytical and sensory teams, formulators, as well as regulatory, marketing, and commercial functions to accelerate innovation
- Manage external research collaborations to support the protein innovation and growth pipeline
- Develop and execute CAPEX plans for the protein R&D team
- Support internal and external training programs related to protein ingredients
- Lead initiatives to expand R&D analytical capabilities for Specialized Nutrition and Savory markets
- Champion laboratory safety by ensuring compliance with safety protocols, documentation and training
- Utilize R&D project management systems and ensure clear stakeholder communication
Education & Experience
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in plant protein research
- Strong expertise in ingredient development, from bench scale through pilot and commercial scale-up
- Deep understanding of structure–function relationships in plant proteins (preferable soy and/or pea)
- Experience translating techno-functional properties of protein ingredients into food applications
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across functions
- Strong project management capabilities, including leading multiple initiatives and managing teams
- Proactive, results-driven mindset with a passion for innovation and problem-solving
- Relocation assistance to Decatur IL is available with this position if needed.
- This position offers a complete benefit package, including 401K/ESOP, pension, health, life, vision, and dental insurance.
- ADM requires the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and a background check.
- ADM is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability and veterans’ status
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
REF:108435BR
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.
If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
The pay range for this position is expected to be between:
$92,800.00 - $171,600.00
Salaried Incentive Plan
The total compensation package for this position will also include annual bonus
Benefits And Perks
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).
- Paid time off including paid holidays.
- Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
- Tuition assistance.
- Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.
#IncludingYou
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.
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
About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.
Req/Job ID
108435BR