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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.

Sr. Food Scientist

Job Location: ​Chicago​

Want to make an impact?

The position of Senior Food Scientist assumes primary responsibility for undertaking and executing product development projects of major importance, complexity, or scope pertaining to Ferrara Candy Company’s business areas.

Ways you will make a difference

  • Leads project design and methodology for various product development projects including, but not limited to: sugar confectionery, ingredient applications and mogul depositing technology. 
  • Leads work on all product platforms. 
  • Works with R&D, Engineering and Manufacturing staff in project execution, technology transfer, and problem solving. 
  • Observes, records, and evaluates experimental data. 
  • Prepares project reports. 
  • Works with other technical and professional personnel in manufacturing, operations, quality, procurement, and marketing.  
  • Interacts with Quality and Regulatory Compliance and plant QA on quality issues. 
  • Supports development of technical capabilities of domestic vendors of ingredients.
  • Supports evaluation of contract manufacturing opportunities as needed. 
  • Actively participates in the Innovation process. 
  • Brings new ideas on products and process across the product range.  
  • Provides leadership and instruction to technical support personnel.
  • Interacts with vendors, suppliers, and contract manufacturers
  • 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

  • Ability to apply scientific knowledge to confectionery technology (including mogul depositing technology).
  • Comfortable operating laboratory, pilot plant, and plant equipment
  • Problem Solving 
  • Original Thinking 
  • Drive for Results (Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully)
  • Deals with Ambiguity (Can effectively and comfortably cope with change and shifting of gears) 
  • Attention to Detail
  • Works well with others and individually 
  • Time management (Uses his/her time effectively and efficiently)
     

Experiences that will support your success

  • BS, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Food Science, or related field, required.
  • 5-10 years’ experience in food industry or related field.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills (bilingual if possible: Spanish preferred)
  • Strong mathematical skills
  • Strong computer skills – including Microsoft Office (Word), Spreadsheets, and SAP 
     

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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