The Bel Group is a major player in the food industry through portions of dairy, fruit and plant-based products, and one of the world leaders in branded cheeses. Its portfolio of differentiated and internationally recognized brands includes The Laughing Cow, Kiri, Babybel, Boursin Nurishh, Pom'Potes and GoGo squeeZ, as well as some 30 local brands. Together, these brands helped the Group generate sales of 3.6 billion in 2022.

Do you want to join a company with strong brands that puts consumers and responsibility at the heart of the decision-making process? Then Bel is made for you!

Are you bold, pragmatic, and determined? Do you want to contribute to the transformation of an international agri-food company? Them come join us and measure the impact of your talent and energy in realizing an ambitious and sustainable company project!

#IWorkForAllForGood

LOCATION & REPORT

• V.I.E as of June 2025
• Based in Chicago
• Reporting to the Development Portfolio Manager - The Laughing Cow

MISSIONS

As Junior Product Development Manager, you are part of the Global Research Innovation and Development (RID) team and you will be responsible for driving innovation and renovation projects for The Laughing Cow brand in the NORAM by developing The Laughing Cow cheese recipes and processes. This role requires strong knowledge in cheese or food science & technology, formulation, food manufacturing, quality, project management. The position involves dealing with our factory as weel as dealing with our comanufacturer which is French speaking and located in Montreal. Additionally, the role requires close collaboration with various internal and external partners to achieve project goals. This is a hybrid role (2-3 days/week in office) based in our Chicago office.

 
Key Responsibilities:

• Product Development:
  • Develop products from initial concept to production ensuring strategy is aligned with Bel’s guidelines and the Brand’s innovation strategy including ingredient selection, formulation, packaging design & specification, pilot plant trials, chemical, physical and sensory analysis, production scale-up, shelf-life testing to line start-up
  • Define and set-up a trial plan; process data and carry out trial reports; share conclusions and recommendations with project teams
  • Ability to create mock-ups of products, relating to ideas or concepts
  • Lead identification and technical qualification of new ingredients and/or suppliers

• Project Management:
  • “End to End" project management: from ideation to production mastering while respecting the stage gate process and delivering the right quality level on time and in full with the best time to market
  • Extensive cross-functional teamwork including marketing, purchasing, quality, engineering, finance, co-manufacturers, vendors and customers
  • Ability to manage several projects simultaneously
  • Leads risk assessments, planning/scheduling and task prioritization

 
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Dairy Science, Food Science, Food-Process Engineering degree or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in the food industry required; dairy experience preferred 
• Agile and resilient, with the ability to work effectively in an ambiguous environment alongside internal and external partners
• Must be analytical, detail-oriented with demonstrated ability to multi-task, make decisions and/or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (oral and written) in English and in French 
• Passion for cheese and innovation
• Appetite for project management
• Proactive and solution-oriented
• Adaptable to various functions and styles, ranging from technical to marketing
• Dynamic and enthusiastic
• Impeccable personal integrity and commitment to ongoing professional development
• Embodies Bel’s core values of Dare, Commit and Care
• Fluent in English and French

 
Performance Expectations: confidentiality, quality, accuracy, timeliness, reliability, and thoroughness of work performed; ability to gain the trust and respect of management, coworkers; maintain the integrity of confidential business and product information; ability to communicate effectively and develop good working relationships with other employees is essential to accomplish goals and objectives of the RID Department.

If you think that this job is for you, please click now on the button "Apply". The recruitment team of your site will contact you very soon.