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For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is the #1 sugar confectioner in the United States. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of nearly 9,000 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like Brach’s®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Additionally, Jelly Belly, known world-wide for its confections, was acquired in November of 2023.

Food Scientist, R&D - Global Brands

Work Location: ​Chicago​

Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for: effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Want to make an impact?

The Food Scientist will lead the development of new products and improving existing products as part of the Global Brands Innovation team. This individual will work closely with cross-functional partners to develop and commercialize projects from benchtop development through scale-up and launch. This is an exciting opportunity to work on Ferrara’s Global Candy Brands such as Nerds, SweeTARTs, and Black Forest.

Ways you will make a difference

  • Executes various product development projects within sugar confectionery such as Innovation, Renovation, Supply Continuity and Network moves. 
  • Leads the development of projects from benchtop development through pilot plant scale up, factory scale-up, and commercialization.
  • With support of manager, works to create product development plans and design of experiments to enable flawless execution of products from benchtop to manufacturing.
  • Ensures all products meet Ferrara’s quality standards and shelf life requirements.
  • Works closely with Process Engineers, Marketing, Quality, and Manufacturing in project execution and problem solving.
  • Leads 5-10 projects at any given time and may lead 1-2 high priority projects within a given year.
  • Effectively communicates project status updates directly with manager, key stakeholders, and cross-functional partners.
  • Proactively generates new candy innovation ideas to present to the R&D and cross functional partners.
  • Travels both domestically and internationally up to 25%.
  • Ensures adherence to all company policies and procedures.
  • Understands and demonstrates the Company’s core values.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills that will make you successful

  • Prior knowledge of confectionary technology desired, not required
  • Ability to apply prior scientific knowledge to confectionery technology 
  • Strong project management skills to lead 5-10 projects at once.
  • Comfortable working in office, laboratory, and factory environments.
  • Strong verbal and written communication.
  • Self-starter who is comfortable working in a face paced environment.
  • Highly efficient at planning and staying on tight timelines and planning projects accordingly.

Experiences that will support your success

  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Food Engineering or similar scientific field, or equivalent experience
  • Masters or certification is a plus 
  • 3+ years’ food industry experience or equivalent knowledge and skill set preferred 
  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite
  • Working knowledge of SAP PLM desired, not required

 

#LI-Onsite

 

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO).  Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $68,700 - $96,000 annually.

Ferrara’s success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer co-creation and partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. A privately held company, Ferrara has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, and China that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero related company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.


Nearest Major Market: Chicago

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