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, 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 contex

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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About Ferrero:

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

DE&I at Ferrero:

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.

Find out more here.