2026 Europe Research& Development Graduate Programme - Leipzig

Kerry; Leipzig; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading food technology company in Leipzig is seeking a recent graduate for their RDA Graduate Program focused on Product Innovation and Management. This full-time, permanent role involves a structured 2-year program to develop skills across various projects in the food and biopharma industries. The candidate must have a Master's or PhD in a relevant field and strong communication and analytical skills. Opportunities to travel and relocate across Europe are included.

Qualifikationen

• Recent or soon-to-be graduate.
• Fluent in English, open to travel or relocate.
• Detail-oriented with a market-oriented mindset.

Aufgaben

• Collaborate across teams to drive innovative solutions.
• Support project evaluations and refine ideas.
• Manage product portfolios for commercialization.

Kenntnisse

Strong communication skills

Analytical mindset

Proactive and motivated

Solution-focused

Ausbildung

Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology or related field

Jobbeschreibung

RDA Graduate

Start date: September 2026

Location: Leipzig

Contract: full-time; permanent

Join Kerry and Shape the Future of Sustainable Nutrition

At Kerry, we’re tackling one of humanity’s greatest challenges: delivering sustainable nutrition to over 2 billion people while protecting our planet. It’s a monumental task, and we need ambitious graduates bursting with innovative solutions to real‑world problems. If you’re an agile, collaborative team player, we offer a career where you can make a real difference and help secure our future.

Do you have what it takes to deliver sustainable nutrition to over 2 billion people? Rise to the challenge with one of our Graduate Programs.

This permanent, full‑time role begins with a structured 2-year program that includes rotational placements across different teams and locations. From day one, you’ll be immersed in real‑world challenges, supported by a global network of graduates, and empowered to make meaningful contributions. With structured learning, cross‑functional exposure, and opportunities to relocate across Europe, the program is designed to give you the skills, confidence, and experience to thrive in your career.

Our Research, Development & Application (RD&A) Program with focus on Product Innovation and Product Management in the field of Biotechnology

Our global RD&A team of 1,000+ food scientists and local manufacturing facilities with a footprint in 31 countries enable us to co‑create great tasting products, with improved nutrition and functionality, while ensuring better impact for the planet.

You’ll be at the front of Customer innovation helping our business evolve and supporting sustainable growth. We innovate with a uniquely structured approach to design products, services, and experiences that positively and profitably influence behaviour.

You’ll be supported and mentored every step of the way by experts, working on real projects that allow you to apply your learnings and start your journey towards becoming a leading food technologist.

What you might be doing

As part of the RD&A Graduate Program with focus on Product Innovation and Product Management in the field of Biotechnology, you’ll be immersed in real‑world innovation projects spanning the entire product lifecycle—from concept to commercialization – across two distinct industries: Food and Biopharma. Depending on the team you join, your responsibilities may include:

• Collaborating across Kerry’s global and cross‑functional network to anticipate market trends, understand customer needs, and drive innovative biotechnology solutions that deliver exceptional taste, nutrition, and functionality to the food & beverage industry.
• Support the systematic evaluation and refinement of project ideas, helping to translate initial concepts into clearly defined, actionable initiatives with measurable goals.
• Driving innovation in the Biopharma market by combining customer collaboration, market and scientific analysis, and trend identification to evaluate and shape commercially viable product opportunities.

• Managing a portfolio of enzymes for the biopharmaceutical manufacturing market, including product commercialization / commercial launch activities.
• Preparing technical marketing materials such as product USP and competitor analysis for biopharma customers focused on ATMP applications (e.g., website content, presentations, brochures)
• Driving cross‑functional projects in collaboration with Sales, Business Development, R&D, Application, Quality, and Communications teams to ensure that product solutions are fit for purpose and viable across regional and global markets.
• Managing and coordinating development projects as a project lead or support role to advance them through the innovation pipeline.

• Supporting customer visits, international conferences and trade shows and technical presentations, contributing to Kerry’s reputation for scientific excellence and customer partnership.

• Acquiring a strong understanding of Kerry’s ingredient portfolio and its application across diverse end‑use markets including Biopharma, Bakery & Snacks, Beverage, Dairy, Animal and Human Nutrition.

Do you have what it takes?

• You’re a recent or soon‑to‑be graduate with a Master’s or PhD degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology or a related field.

• You are ambitious, curious, proactive and motivated, with a structured and self‑organized approach to your work.

• You’re open‑minded, have strong communication skills and enjoy working in cross‑functional teams.

• You’re optimistic, detail‑oriented and possess a solution‑focused mindset.
• You bring an analytical mindset with a strong affinity for data.
• You think beyond the lab bench, are application‑ and market‑oriented and have a strong interest in how products succeed commercially.

• You’re fluent in English.
• You’re open to travel or relocate and eligible to work permanently at the location you’re applying for.