R&D Oil & Fats Principal Technologist

Press Tab to Move to Skip to Content Link

At Barilla, we believe that every great journey begins with passion and a bold vision. From our humble beginnings in 1877 in a small shop in Parma, Italy, we’ve blossomed into a global leader in the food industry, guided by our commitment to progress and excellence.

Today, Barilla is an international group present in more than 100 countries and we are proud to be recognized as the world’s top food company by reputation. With 22 beloved brands in our portfolio, we are world leader for pasta, the number one choice for ready-made sauces in Europe, leader for bakery products in Italy, and for crispbread across Scandinavia with Wasa.

Our success story is written by a passionate team of almost 9,000 dedicated employees across 30 plants and offices worldwide, all united by a shared mission to nourish the future with purpose and passion.

Are you ready to add your unique flavor to our journey?

We are looking for a skilled and motivated expert in Oils & Fats, to join our Global Process & Technology Development team. The role will lead global research and innovation in lipid science, supporting product development with technical expertise on sourcing, formulation and application, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders and driving knowledge sharing across the organization.

The position will report to the Global Process & Technology Development VP and will be based in our HQ in Parma (Italy).

Job Purpose

As the expert in Oils & Fats, you will provide deep scientific and technical expertise on the origin, composition, physical properties, extraction, and processing of oils and fats for a wide range of food applications. You will lead global research programs on Fat & Oil application, developing solutions to enhance product superiority, productivity and create competitive edge and IPR. Your role includes building strong collaborations with academic institutions, deepening the scientific knowledge and representing the company in industry associations, contributing to regulatory and scientific initiatives. You will also drive internal knowledge transfer through training, and work closely with cross-functional teams and suppliers to ensure optimal sourcing, formulation, and performance of oils and fats across our product portfolio

Main Responsibilities

Scientific Expertise and Research

• Provide in-depth scientific knowledge on the composition, physical properties, and nutritional aspects of various oils and fats.
• Stay updated with the latest research and technological advancements in oils and fats extraction and processing
• Establish connections with top universities and research centres to foster collaboration and deepen scientific knowledge.
• Participate in joint research projects and contribute to scientific publications and conferences.

Product Development Support:

• Collaborate with the product development team to design and optimize formulations for margarines, spreads, ice creams, custards, sweet fillings, bakery products, emulsions, and sauces.
• Evaluate and recommend the best oils and fats mixes to enhance product quality, taste, and shelf life.

Procurement Collaboration and Sourcing:

• Work closely with procurement and supply chain teams to identify and source high-quality oils and fats.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure consistent quality and supply.
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop customized formulations that meet Barilla's specific needs.

Academic and Research Collaboration:

• Establish connections with top universities and research centers to foster collaboration and deepen scientific knowledge.
• Participate in joint research projects and contribute to scientific publications and conferences.

Cross-Functional Interaction:

• Act as a liaison between R&D, product development, procurement, and supply chain teams to ensure alignment on project goals and timelines.
• Provide technical support and training to internal teams on oils and fats applications

Requirements

• Master Degree or PhD in Chemistry/Food Technology/Physics/Pharmacology/Engineering
• 7+ years experience in the Fat & Oil manufacturing and/or application sector (mandatory)
• Excellent knowledge of Oils & Fats processes and technology.
• Proven experience in driving technological innovation and managing Intellectual Property Rights.
• Up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and advancements in technology.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound decisions based on data.
• Strategic thinking
• Ability to work effectively in an international and cross-functional team environment.
• Strong project management skills, able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, to effectively interact at all levels of the organization.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken

At Barilla, we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity in all its forms is valued and embraced. Our employment policies and practices are designed to ensure equal employment opportunities for all, regardless of age, race, color, citizenship, faith, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or characteristics of expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, medical condition, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our commitment to equal employment stems from our unwavering belief that it is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a fundamental driver of innovation and business success.