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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. Scientist - Product Development

Job Location: ​Chicago​

Want to make an impact?

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

 

This role will report to the Sr. Manager, R&D - Acquired Sugar Portfolio.

 

This position is based at our headquarters at the Old Post Office and will require a minimum of 4 days in the office per week.

Ways you will make a difference

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

  • Leads project design and methodology for various product development projects, within sugar confectionery, and ingredient applications across a diverse portfolio of sugar processing technologies.
  • Develops products for global markets and has a demonstrated ability to work across different cultures and ways of working. 
  • Leads development of product design of experiments on all types of product platforms. 
  • Collaborates within R&D experts, R&D Process development and across functions of Engineering and Manufacturing staff in project execution, technology transfer, and problem solving. 
  • Observes, records, and evaluates experimental data. 
  • Prepares project reports with demonstrated skills in design of experiment, analysis and conclusions. 
  • 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. 
  • Brings new ideas on products and process across the product range for different regions.  
  • Travels, both domestically and internationally- (up to 25-40% of job) 
  • Role requires on-site presence up to 5 days a week most weeks.
  • 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

  • Demonstrated ability to flex workstyle in different cultures, ways of working, and learning environments
  • Ability to apply scientific knowledge to confectionery technology (including mogul depositing technology).
  • Comfortable operating laboratory, pilot plant, and plant  equipment
  • Problem Solving 
  • Critical 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 Food Engineering, 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 

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 here.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $80,300 - 112,500 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.

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