Raw Materials Expert

Ferrero•Chicago, IL

22h•$113,026 - $150,701•Remote

About The Position

We have a current opening for a Raw Materials Expert and are actively reviewing applications. The North American R&D raw material employee identifies new raw materials, develop and/or the improve semi-finished and finished products for Innovation, Renovation and Brand Maintenance projects. Prepares, issues and updates the specifications of raw material of competence following the Ferrero policy. Supports the preparation and issuing of the related specifications. Analyzes the raw material to have the knowledge in term of testing, taste and shelf life. Define the raw material characteristics using external laboratories where needed and work in collaboration with Central team based out of Italy. In business continuity situations and for the constant brand maintenance ability to react quickly in case of challenges or take advantage of new opportunities. Support the Commercial & Operational team during trial test for eventual problems related to raw materials resolution. Verifies possible improvement technological-productive of alternative raw materials. Collaborates with the technical entities to ensure the raw material characteristics maintenance.

Requirements

Master’s degree in food science, specific focus on Raw Materials used in bakery protein/ cereal bars and confectionery space.
8-10 years relevant experience in technical field with hands on experience.
Experience on Raw Material (processes), understand ingredient functionality and ingredient interactions in complex food matrix.
Knowledge on Food Law and Regulatory landscape within North America.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, strong Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills.
Knowledge in raw material analysis method
SAP & PLM system Knowledge
Sense of urgency to manage situations with ability to remain calm.
Ability to set objectives and achieve goals
Ability to lead and influence others
Ability to problem solve/ trouble shoot and set priorities
Ability to work effectively with others in a team setting and contribute cross functionally.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Cocoa and Fats and Oils raw material category

Responsibilities

Identifies new raw materials to enable the development of semi-finished and finished products in collaboration with Cross Functional team members and Ferrero’s strategic supplier partners.
Prepare, issues and updates the specifications of new and existing raw materials of competence using the IT system of the company, receive all the information having contact with the supplier.
Lead Integration efforts for raw materials for Merger and Acquisitions within North America and support the preparation and issuing of the related specifications making sure they comply with corporate policies.
Analyzes the data of experimental testing and taste, suggesting modification, and participating to the taste analysis to verify the product preservation. Co-ordinate with the supplier and internal lab for sample prep in the lab.
Provides to the Product Technical Performance Manager & Operational team technical support and guidance for eventual challenges related to raw materials resolution
Coordinates laboratory testing to define raw materials characteristics check the method of analysis, verify the level of contaminant and control if the raw material respects our specification. Create a database of all this information to share with the Quality Department.
Collaborates with the relevant BU for the constant maintenance of regulatory updating (legislation and voluntary standards of the Category) to quickly grasp any emerging problems or to take advantage of new opportunities, share the information with the lab for the opportune analysis.
Verifies the used raw materials possible improvement, through the study of technological-productive interventions among suppliers and through the study of alternative raw materials
Collaborates with Procurement and Raw Material Quality for scouting and validation of raw material from alternate vendors as part of De-risking opportunities within North America.