Ice Cream R&D Product Design (Parental Leave Substitution)
About the Role:
We are looking for an Ice Cream R&D Product Design professional to join our Ice Cream Research & Development team on a fixed term contract for a parental leave substitution. In this role, you will support the formulation development and validation of ice cream products across all innovation stages, contributing to the successful execution of R&D activities from early development to industrialization.
Working in close collaboration with Product R&D colleagues and cross functional stakeholders, you will provide technical and organizational support to ensure smooth project execution, alignment with marketing and category guidance, and consistency between product formulation, process parameters and industrial feasibility. Your contribution will support de risking activities, strengthen product technology validation and contribute to the development of Ice Cream R&D capabilities in prototyping, process innovation and scale up.
Main Responsibilities:
You will support Product R&D activities throughout the full innovation lifecycle, contributing to the development, testing and optimization of ice cream formulations. Your contribution will focus on continuous improvement and de risking initiatives, supporting both new product development and the optimization of existing recipes.
You will assist in the execution of laboratory tests, pilot trials, industrial trials and consumer tests, helping to validate key product technology parameters related to formulation, processing and shelf-life performance. By working in pilot and industrial environments, you will contribute to the definition, calibration and basic improvement of product and process specifications during the industrialization phase.
As part of the technical project team, you will collaborate closely with Innovation, Development, Engineering, Process Design and FSQ functions to help ensure alignment between product formulation choices, process feasibility, food safety and quality requirements. You will support the evaluation and validation of product technical solutions from both formulation and process perspectives.
From a project execution standpoint, you will support assigned Product R&D projects in line with Ice Cream Marketing guidance. This includes assisting the Technical Project Manager in technical analyses and preparation of decision making materials, supporting the development of project presentations and updates for internal stakeholders, and contributing to basic project monitoring activities such as timelines, KPIs and cost follow up.
Finally, you will support the definition and validation of formulations to be tested in pilot plants, contribute to the planning and organization of industrial trials, and assist in the evaluation of new technologies, formulations and shelf life performance.
About You:
You hold a master’s degree in food technology, food science or a related discipline and have experience within global food manufacturing companies, specifically in the ice cream category, covering product development or technical roles.
You bring knowledge of ice cream formulation, raw material application and food industry fundamentals, combined with experience in sensory evaluation, shelf life testing and stability studies, as well as knowledge of food safety principles and HACCP.
You have a technical foundation in chemistry, physics, microbiology and nutrition, together with awareness of regulatory and labelling requirements and a cost quality optimization mindset.
You are fluent in English and feel comfortable operating in an international context, with availability for frequent business travel within Europe.
Ready to contribute to the development of innovative Ice Cream products? Apply now and make an impact within our R&D team.
Our Benefits & Perks:
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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.