R&D Raw Materials Lab Specialist

About the Role

We are looking for an R&D Raw Material Specialist who will join the Global R&D organization, focusing on raw materials and semi‑finished products. In this role, you will support product development by identifying, evaluating and providing high‑quality ingredient solutions aligned with Ferrero standards. Working in close collaboration with cross‑functional teams, external partners, universities and research institutes, you will contribute to the development of innovative ingredient solutions and to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field of raw materials and semi‑finished products. Combining laboratory activities, supplier collaboration and scientific research, you will play a key role in supporting innovation and business growth.

Main Responsibilities

• Supporting the management of raw material and semi‑finished product categories, contributing to their development, evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Collaborating with universities, research centers and external scientific partners, participating in research projects to deepen understanding of ingredients, processing technologies and product functionalities, and translating scientific findings into actionable business opportunities and innovation projects.
• Acting as a key point of reference for internal stakeholders (Product Development Platforms, Quality, Food Safety, Food Law & Regulatory, Procurement, Marketing and Nutrition), ensuring alignment and effective collaboration across activities.
• Coordinating the development of tailor‑made semi‑finished products with external partners and suppliers, ensuring consistency with technical and quality requirements.
• Identifying and evaluating raw materials and solutions available on the market, assessing compliance with Ferrero standards in terms of quality, regulatory requirements and functional performance.
• Supporting laboratory activities: experimental design, analysis and characterization of raw materials and semi‑finished products, testing, sensory evaluation and data interpretation; contributing to the definition and validation of product characteristics.
• Preparing, issuing and updating technical specifications, ensuring accuracy, consistency and alignment with internal standards and regulatory frameworks, while monitoring regulatory updates and category developments.
• Evaluating existing and new solutions, analyzing supplier processes and technological alternatives to support the improvement and optimisation of ingredients and semi‑finished products, contributing to quality enhancement, innovation and operational excellence.

About You

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Food Technology, Agri‑Food Science, Biology or a related discipline; PhD considered favorably.
• Previous experience within R&D environments, preferably in the food industry, with familiarity with raw materials and semi‑finished products.
• Experience in laboratory activities, including experimental design and data analysis.
• Solid understanding of quality and food safety standards, ensuring compliance across activities.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and project management approaches.
• Ability to work independently and in cross‑functional teams, interacting with external scientific institutions and suppliers.
• Fluency in English to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders in an international context.

What We Offer

The role is classified at Level 1° under the National Collective Agreement for the Food Industry (CCNL Industria Alimentare). The guaranteed minimum base annual gross salary established by the CCNL for the applicable level is €43,249. The overall compensation will be determined based on the experience, skills and qualifications of the selected candidate.

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