R&D Process Specialist - Plant Based & Fruit Fillings (m/f/d)

Join the Magic

Are you passionate about shaping the future of food?

At Puratos, we turn bold ideas into lasting impact through innovation, expertise, and a commitment to well-being.

To strengthen our team in R&D team in Italy, we are looking for

• R&D Process Specialist – Plant Based & Fruit
• Viadana, Italy
• Your Mission

Reporting to the R&D Director, you will play a key role in the industrialization, optimization and validation of products and manufacturing processes within our Plant Based Solutions and Fruit Fillings portfolio.

You will bridge R&D and Operations, ensuring the successful transfer of innovative products from development to industrial production while driving continuous improvement, efficiency and product quality.

What You Will Do

• Lead product industrialization, scale-up and process validation activities, ensuring successful transfer of new products and processes into manufacturing.
• Plan, coordinate and execute pilot, factory and industrial trials, supporting the validation of first production runs.
• Support the development and optimization of Plant Based Solutions through formulation improvements, ingredient validation and cost-saving initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering and Product Development teams to improve efficiency, consistency and Right First Time performance.
• Support the Pozzolengo site in Fruit Fillings development, industrialization projects, troubleshooting and continuous improvement activities.
• Coordinate product lifecycle activities, including master data management, BOM maintenance, product creation, modifications and phase-in/phase-out processes.
• Prepare and maintain manufacturing instructions, validation reports, specifications and technical documentation in line with NPD procedures.
• Provide technical support to Sales, Marketing and Technical Advisors during customer projects, industrial trials and technical visits.
• Support root cause analysis, CAPA implementation and complaint investigations together with Quality and Operations teams.
• Monitor new ingredients, technologies and market trends, promoting innovation and best practice sharing across the local and Group R&D network.
• What We Expect From You
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering or a related discipline.
• 3-5 years of experience in Food R&D, Process Development, Industrialization or a similar technical role within the food industry.
• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes, process validation and product industrialization.
• Experience with SAP/ERP systems and master data management is an advantage.
• Strong project management, analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and international environments.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Fluent English and Italian.
• You are curious about digital tools, data and AI, and comfortable learning new systems to make work safer, simpler and more efficient.
• What You Can Expect From Puratos

At Puratos, we believe in rewarding talent and dedication.

For this role, the base salary range in the indicated country is expected to be between € 28.000 to € 35.000 per year.

Final compensation may ultimately be higher or lower based upon factors which may include competence level, knowledge, skills and work experience.

On top of this base salary, we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Company welfare and benefits package.
• Training and development opportunities through local and international learning programs.
• Exposure to global R&D projects and collaboration with international experts.
• Career growth opportunities within a fast-growing multinational organization.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment focused on continuous improvement, sustainability and well-being.
• Flexible working arrangements in line with company policies.

We are committed to fostering an environment where you can grow, innovate, and make an impact.

If you’re looking for a workplace that values transparency, development, and passion, we’d love to hear from you.

Our Mission

At Puratos, we believe that food has extraordinary power in people’s lives.

As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we turn innovation and food culture into opportunities for our customers’ success.

We continuously improve the way we work by being curious about digital innovation, including data, automation and AI, to learn, collaborate and create impact together.

We want to move the planet forward by creating innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere.

With over 11,000 employees in more than 85 countries, Puratos thrives on innovation, a pioneering spirit and a unique culture.