R&D Raw Materials Lab Specialist

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, you will  contribute to their development, evaluation and continuous improvement .

A distinctive aspect of the role will be the collaboration with universities, research centers and external scientific partners. You will  participate in research projects  aimed at deepening the understanding of ingredients, processing technologies and product functionalities, translating scientific findings into actionable business opportunities and innovation projects.

Acting as a key point of reference for internal stakeholders – including Product Development Platforms, Quality, Food Safety, Food Law & Regulatory, Procurement, Marketing and Nutrition – you will  ensure alignment and effective collaboration across activities . Working closely with external partners and suppliers, you will  coordinate the development of tailor‑made semi‑finished products , ensuring consistency with technical and quality requirements.

In parallel, you will  contribute to the identification and evaluation of raw materials and solutions available on the market , assessing their compliance with Ferrero standards in terms of quality, regulatory requirements and functional performance.

In the laboratory, contributing to experimental activities, you will  support the analysis and characterization of raw materials and semi‑finished products  through testing, sensory evaluation and data interpretation, deepening the understanding of their behavior across different product applications. You will also contribute to the definition and validation of semi‑finished product characteristics.

You will  be involved in preparing, issuing and updating technical specifications , ensuring accuracy, consistency and alignment with internal standards and regulatory frameworks, while collaborating with relevant business functions to monitor regulatory updates and category developments.

Through the evaluation of existing and new solutions, including the analysis of supplier processes and technological alternatives, you will  support the improvement and optimization of ingredients and semi‑finished products , contributing to quality enhancement, innovation and operational excellence.

About You:

You hold a master’s degree in Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Food Technology, Agri‑Food Science, Biology or a related discipline. A PhD would be considered favorably.

You have gained previous experience within  R&D environments , preferably in the food industry, developing familiarity with  raw materials and semi‑finished products . Experience in  laboratory activities , including experimental design and data analysis, supports your ability to manage scientific tasks effectively.

A solid understanding of quality and food safety standards enables you to operate with rigor and ensure compliance across activities. Knowledge of statistical analysis and project management approaches further strengthens your contribution to research and development initiatives.

You are comfortable working both independently and in cross‑functional teams, as well as interacting with external scientific institutions and suppliers. Fluency in  English  allows you 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…