R&D Process Specialist

Puratos; Viadana; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Welfare package

Training & development

Global R&D exposure

Career growth

Collaborative culture

Flexible working

Job summary

Puratos in Viadana, Italy is seeking an R&D Process Specialist for Plant Based & Fruit Fillings. You will bridge R&D and Operations, drive industrialization, optimization and validation of products and processes, ensuring smooth transfer from development to production.

You will lead pilot and scale-up trials, support formulation improvements and cost-saving initiatives, and collaborate with cross-functional teams across Europe to drive quality and innovation. Fluent English and Italian required.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes, process validation and product industrialization.
• Experience with SAP/ERP systems is an advantage.
• Strong project management, analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and international environments.
• Fluent English and Italian.
• Curious about digital tools, data and AI, and comfortable learning new systems.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Food R&D

Process Development

Industrialization

Project Management

Analytical Thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

International teamwork

English

Italian

Digital tools & AI curiosity

Education

Degree in Food Science/Technology/Engineering

Tools

SAP/ERP

Job description

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

Puratos Careers

Job Detail

R&D Process Specialist - Plant Based & Fruit Fillings (m/f/d) Job Description Functional Area R&D Job Location ITA - Viadana Country/Region Italy Who are you? Professionals Permanent/Temporary Permanent Working time Full Time Req ID 35903 Information at a Glance

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.

This is Puratos

At Puratos, we create innovative food solutions for the health and well‑being of people everywhere. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we help our customers to be successful with their business, by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities.We are more than 10.000 employees in over 80 countries and a consolidated turnover of 3 billion euros (in 2023). Our passion for innovation, a pioneering spirit and the unique Puratos culture drive our solid growth and vision for the future This, along with our commitment to our local communities, is what makes working at Puratos so magical.

Learn more about Puratos