R&D Chef

Prodotti Gianni is a leading, family-owned company based in Milan with a strong reputation as a distributor of food ingredients. Beyond distribution, we develop custom functional blends that meet our clients' unique needs. We collaborate with major Italian players, from small businesses to large corporations, and are strengthening our market position through strategic investments in our people and a new innovation lab.

Prodotti Gianni is a key player not only in the food sector but also in Cosmetics, Nutraceuticals, Pharmaceuticals, offering exciting career development opportunities across multiple industries.

Your Role:

As an R&D Chef, you will be part of our Food R&D team and will play a key role in transforming ingredient concepts into practical food applications and customer-ready solutions. You will be responsible for preparing applications, supporting innovation projects, and collaborating with the technical team in the development and validation of new ingredient solutions. Your main responsibilities will include:

Application Development: preparing and optimizing recipes and food applications across multiple categories including bakery, dairy, beverages, savory, plant-based and confectionery products

Prototype Preparation: producing samples, prototypes and demonstration products for customer projects, internal evaluations and innovation workshops

Technical Support: supporting the R&D team in evaluating ingredient functionality, process performance and sensory characteristics

Customer Demonstrations: assisting in customer presentations, technical workshops and product tastings

Kitchen & Lab Management: managing raw materials, ingredients, stock control, equipment maintenance and overall organization of the kitchen and application laboratory

Innovation

Activities:

contributing to the development of new concepts, recipes and market-oriented food solutions

Cross-functional Collaboration:

working closely with Technical Sales, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs and Product Management teams to ensure successful project execution

Food Safety & Compliance: ensuring compliance with HACCP procedures, safety standards and internal quality requirements

Who You Are:

We're looking for a passionate, practical and innovation-oriented professional with strong culinary expertise and a genuine interest in food ingredients and product development.

Ideally, you will have:

Professional culinary education or equivalent hands-on experience

At least 5 years of experience as Chef, Sous Chef, Corporate Chef, Application Chef or similar role Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques and product development processes

Experience working with different food categories including bakery, dairy, beverages, savory and plant-based applications

Deep understanding of ingredient functionality and food processing

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Excellent problem-solving and multitasking abilities

Proactive attitude and willingness to learn

Good communication and teamwork skills

English proficiency (B1-B2 level minimum)
Residence within one hour of Milan or willingness to relocate

Availability to work primarily on-site at our Innovation Lab

Preferred Qualifications Previous experience in food ingredient companies or food manufacturing environmentsBSc Degree in Food Technology, Gastronomic Sciences or related disciplines

Experience supporting customer-facing technical activities

Passion for culinary trends and food innovation

Knowledge of industrial food production processes

What We Offer:

The opportunity to actively contribute to the creation of a new laboratory and the growth of an ambitious companyA dynamic, flexible, and innovation-driven environment within one of Italy's most respected distributors

Career development opportunities across multiple industries, including Food, Nutraceuticals, Cosmetics, and PharmaceuticalsA collaborative culture where passion, curiosity, and impact go hand in hand with having fun at work Annual Salary Range: € 28.000 - € 38.000.The salary is determined on the basis of objective criteria, including the candidate’s skills and experience assessed against the requirements of the role.

Your data will be processed in full compliance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) no. 679/2016 (General Data Protection Regulation - “GDPR”), as amended.