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Who we are:
IRCA Group, an Advent portfolio company, was founded in Italy in 1919, and it is a leading international B2B provider of high-quality semi-finished ingredients such as chocolate, decorations, creams, inclusions, nuts and pistachios, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and other essential solutions for industrial clients or other independent artisanal producers.
With more than 2.400 employees, 22 production facilities worldwide, and €1 billion in revenues, IRCA Group has a solid track record of growth and international expansion.
The role:
We are looking for an R&D technologist responsible for contributing as a key member of the internal R&D team based in Hochheim, providing technical leadership, guidance, and support to junior colleagues while fostering a strong collaborative culture. This position leads new product development initiatives from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with customer needs and internal standards. It requires close interaction with cross-functional stakeholders and customers to ensure that ingredient functionality, processes, and final applications meet expectations. The role also supports continuous improvement by identifying and driving performance and process optimization opportunities within the site.
What will you do:
- Lead and support junior R&D team members, mentoring and promoting a strong, collaborative team culture
- Manage multiple projects from customer request to commercialization, including timeline management, raw material sourcing, and stakeholder coordination
- Communicate effectively and precisely with customers to understand requirements, define sample needs, and discuss reworks or changes, including occasional on‑site visits
- Lead new product development activities, from preparing food samples in the lab to monitoring full‑scale production trials
- Collaborate effectively with key business functions (account management, quality, operations, finance, regulatory, procurement, supply chain, etc.) to gather the necessary information and tools to perform the role successfully
- Ensure ingredient functionality meets sample requirements and performs as expected in the final application
- Collaborate with technologists from other functions, supporting troubleshooting and building strong technical relationships
- Identify, lead, and manage local Product Improvement Projects (PIP)
- Proactively support the site with process enhancements and performance improvement initiatives
Requirements:
- Background: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in food science & technologies or Food Engineering, or in a related field
- Experience: 3–4 years in the role, working in a lab environment and with food materials
- Professional Skills: Knowledge of ice cream and confectionary products including desserts and confectionary inclusions; Knowledge of food ingredients such as sugar fats, emulsifiers; Ability to independently plan an manage sample preperation; Strong written communication skills
- IT Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP systems is considered a plus.
- Language Skills: Fluent in German (C1) and English (B2/C1)
- Soft Skills: Highly Self motivated; Analytical with a strong attention to details; Good communication skills; Ability to work under pressure to ensure deadlines are achieved; Ability to work as part of a team; Practical mind
Details:
- Location: Hoccheim (Germany), and be part of a team lab based across several locations in Europe and the UK to collaborate with using virtual platforms
IRCA fosters a dynamic environment, valuing different perspectives and international experiences, offering a stimulating context. We promote professional growth and career opportunities locally and internationally. With locations worldwide, we offer the chance to work on international projects, collaborate across cultures, and gain a global perspective. If you are looking for stimulating challenges and the chance to contribute your ideas for process improvement in an ever-growing company, IRCA is the right place.
We welcome applications from candidates of all genders, backgrounds, identities, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, parental responsibilities, age, religion, or belief. We believe in equal opportunities for all and ensure that our hiring process complies with the highest standards of non-discrimination and inclusivity. IRCA Group is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves, reach their full potential, and feel a true sense of belonging. Join us in creating a workplace where diversity is valued, and everyone can thrive.
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