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.
If you're a people-oriented problem solver who enjoys tackling new challenges every day, we'd love to hear from you. If you're passionate about driving innovation while also valuing the importance of clear policies and governance, there's a place for you here. If you enjoy helping others grow and develop-and food is your passion-we have a place for you.
The Food Lab Operations Manager will own the end-to-end operation and performance of the R&D Food Lab and its supporting operational services. This role ensures the safe, compliant, and efficient execution of proto@type development, scale-up, and testing activities-enabling speed to market and creativity. The position integrates lab execution, food safety, sanitation, purchasing, budget management, finished food storage, and outsourced lab services, serving as a critical interface across R&D, Internal and external partners. The role also serves as the primary liaison with the external pilot plant for scheduling, conflict resolution, and negotiation, acting as the WK Kellogg Co. Interface for pilot-plant trial execution needs.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Working Relationships
This position reports to the: Senior Director, R&D Operations
Direct Reports:
Food Lab Coordinator
Procurement Coordinator
Lab support contractors (processing-focused and food-safety-focused)
Key Internal Relationships:
Growth team: Product Developers, Food Technologists, Packaging Technologists, and the R&D Leadership Team
Systems & Information Management teams.
Corporate Quality, Legal, Regulatory.
External Relationships:
External Pilot Plant LT, process leaders, and Pilot plant QFS manager.
Suppliers: Equipment, ingredients, logistics, and services
Sanitation and maintenance suppliers.
Dimensions:
Scope: R&D Food Lab operations, finished food storage, and proto@type execution (Internal or external).
Budget Responsibility: Lab operating budget; purchasing; GR/IR and blocked-invoice resolution; and annual budget development, capital and operational.
Operational Impact: Speed to market and creativity; food safety and compliance; continuity of supply; and resolution of critical pilot plant and business needs.
Food Lab Operations & Leadership
Own day-to-day Food Lab operations, including scheduling, inventory management, sanitation, traceability, and proto@type execution.
Ensure equipment and ingredient readiness for development and scale-up activities, including sanitation.
Manage finished-food storage, receiving, distribution, and end-to-end log management.
Define and continuously elevate the Food Lab aspiration and experience, creating an environment that inspires creativity while maintaining operational discipline.
Hire, train, mentor, and develop lab staff, contractors, and process leaders.
Food Safety, Quality & Compliance
Ensure compliance with GMPs, food and people safety requirements, SSOPs, SOPs, and LOTO standards.
Coordinate, update, and reinforce lab procedures, safety programs, and onboarding for new lab users.
Serve as a key liaison with Corporate Quality, Legal, and Regulatory to support labeling needs, forensic analysis, and protection of company reputation.
Purchasing & Budget Management
Own purchasing activities for R&D Innovation, including requisitions, purchase orders, goods receipt and purchasing log management.
Manage the lab budget through spend tracking versus budget, GL reviews, GR/IR management, and blocked-invoice resolution.
Ensure timely procurement to support on-site and off-site testing and development activities. Including Ingredients for Industrial trials for Kellogg networks and co-manufacturers as needed.
Outsourced Sanitation, EPI Storage, and Logistics
Manage internal laboratory service model to support sanitation.
Define scopes of service and continuously improve lab performance.
Align contracted lab capabilities with business strategies and influence SME staffing to support proto@type execution.
Partner with R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing leaders to meet critical business needs and continuity requirements.
Operational Excellence & Enterprise Collaboration
Act as the WK Kellogg Co / Kellanova interface for lab and operational needs.
Drive horizontal and vertical collaboration across R&D, Quality, Systems, and Manufacturing.
Proactively identify and escalate operational, safety, compliance, and capacity risks.
Deliver top-line and bottom-line impact through operational efficiency, waste reduction, cost savings, and data-driven decision-making.
Role Evolution and Future State
This role is expected to help shape the future-state R&D operations model. The Food Lab and Operations Manager will play a key role in navigating transitions by preserving execution excellence, clarifying accountabilities, and ensuring uninterrupted R&D delivery during periods of change.
Working knowledge of commercial agreements and service-level expectations
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree in food science, Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical discipline is preferred.
Food, CPG, or manufacturing lab operations leadership is preferred.
Strong background in food safety, quality systems, and GMPs is preferred.
Experience managing outsourced laboratory services is preferred.
Budget ownership, purchasing, and SAP/WOW experience are preferred.
Scheduling, logistics, inventory, and finished goods handling is preferred.
Cross-functional leadership with plants, suppliers, and external partners is preferred.
Key Skills & Competencies
Highly organized and detail-oriented
Strong horizontal and vertical collaborator
Solution-oriented with enterprise mindset
Sound prioritization and escalation judgment.
Lab and operations management
Food safety and sanitation systems
Purchasing, logistics, and SAP/WOW
Salary Range: [ $118,400 - $148,000 ]
Salary pay ranges are determined by role and level. Within the range, the successful candidate's starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, certifications, qualifications, relevant education or training, and local market conditions.
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 .
If we can help you with a reasonable accommodation throughout the application or hiring process, please email TalentAssist@wkkellogg.com
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.
For US applicants:
Where required by state law and/or city ordinance; this employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information, please follow this link (https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify\Participation\Poster_ES.pdf) .
Let's create gr-r-reat days,
WK Kellogg Co Recruitment
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.
