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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-Product Development

Job Location: ​Chicago​

Want to make an impact?

The Food Scientist will lead the development of new products and improving existing products as part of the Innovation team. This individual will be able to work closely with the cross-functional partners and recommend agile solutions and possibilities.
 

Ways you will make a difference

  • Executes various product development projects within sugar confectionery 
  • Works closely with Process Engineers, Marketing and Manufacturing staff in project execution and problem solving.
  • Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors.
  • 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 key stakeholders and cross-functional partners.
  • Seeks out new processes to create and introduce unique and interesting products to the confectionery industry.
  • Looks for new product ideas across the product range with proven ability to prototype new ideas.
  • 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

  • Exercised knowledge and passion of confectionery sciences.
  • Ability to apply broad range scientific knowledge to confectionery technology 
  • Strong project management skills to lead 5-10 projects at once.
  • Comfortable operating laboratory, pilot plant, and plant equipment.
  • Strong verbal and written communication.
  • Self-starter with strong initiative to seek improvements.
  • Able to apply strategic thinking, exhibit a collaborative mindset, and suggest innovative solutions.
  • Highly efficient at planning and staying on tight timelines and planning projects accordingly.
  • Naturally blend in with fast paced product development.
     

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’ experience or equivalent knowledge and skill set preferred 
  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite
  • Working knowledge of SAP PLM preferred
     

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.

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