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 Iconic Brands & Seasons. The role will serve as a growth engine, as well as drive innovation for Ferrara's biggest brands.

Ways you will make a difference

• Prepares project reports.
• Leads project design and methodology for various product development projects including, but not limited to: sugar confectionery, chocolate confectionery, ingredient applications and mogul depositing technology.
• Travels, both domestically and internationally- (up to 25% of job)
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Understands and demonstrates the Company’s core values.
• Actively participates in the Innovation process.
• Interacts with vendors, suppliers, and contract manufacturers
• Supports development of technical capabilities of domestic vendors of ingredients.
• Supports evaluation of contract manufacturing opportunities as needed.
• Provides leadership and instruction to technical support personnel.
• Brings new ideas on products and process across the product range.
• Ensures adherence to all company policies and procedures.
• Leads work on all product platforms.
• Interacts with Quality and Regulatory Compliance and plant QA on quality issues.
• Works with other technical and professional personnel in manufacturing, operations, quality, procurement, and marketing.
• Works with R&D, Engineering and Manufacturing staff in project execution, technology transfer, and problem solving.
• Observes, records, and evaluates experimental data.

Skills that will make you successful

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

Experiences that will support your success

• Strong mathematical skills
• Prior candy experience strongly preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (bilingual if possible: Spanish preferred)
• BS, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Food Science, or related field, required
• 5-10 years’ experience in food industry or related field