Sr Scientist, Acquired Sugar Portfolio

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At Ferrara, Ferrero, Fox’s Burton’s, and The Fine Biscuits Company, we’re loved by people of all generations for the joy we bring—and that joy is crafted by our people. Join us and explore a whole world to discover, where your passion will find its place.

Today, Ferrara is the #1 sugar confectioner in the U.S, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of over 9,000 employees around the world who deliver and create hundreds of iconic and beloved products.

In the U.S., more than 67 million households annually enjoy our popular brands like NERDS®, Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli®. In Brazil, Dori has become a household name with snacking products that include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. And, in France, Carambar & Co have earned generations of loyal customers through the timeless appeal of iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry’s. A privately held company, Ferrara Group is headquartered in Chicago. Ferrara boasts a network of over 30 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities.

Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for: effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Want to make an impact?

The Sr. Scientist, Acquired Sugar Portfolio is a high-impact innovation role that sits at the center of Ferrara’s global growth strategy. You’ll serve as the technical lead driving product development projects that shape the future of our acquired sugar brands—bringing bold new ideas to life across multiple international markets.

In this role, you’ll influence the direction of beloved confectionery brands, translate consumer insights into breakthrough products, and solve complex formulation and scale-up challenges that directly support Ferrara’s expansion into new regions and categories. Your work will have visibility with senior leaders and play a critical role in creating the next generation of Ferrara’s sugar portfolio.

You’ll report to the Director, R&D – Acquired Sugar Portfolio, joining a passionate, collaborative team that values curiosity, hands-on experimentation, and a “make it happen” mindset. This is a unique opportunity to work in a fast-moving environment where scientific rigor, creativity, and business strategy come together—and where your innovations make a measurable impact on consumers around the world.

This position is based at our headquarters at the Old Post Office and will require a minimum of 4 days in the office per week.

Ways you will make a difference

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Leads project design and methodology for various product development projects, within sugar confectionery, and ingredient applications across a diverse portfolio of sugar processing technologies.
• Develops products for global markets and has a demonstrated ability to work across different cultures and ways of working.
• Leads development of product design of experiments on all types of product platforms.
• Collaborates within R&D experts, R&D Process development and across functions of Engineering and Manufacturing staff in project execution, technology transfer, and problem solving.
• Observes, records, and evaluates experimental data.
• Prepares project reports with demonstrated skills in design of experiment, analysis and conclusions.
• Works with other technical and professional personnel in manufacturing, operations, quality, procurement, and marketing.
• Interacts with Quality and Regulatory Compliance and plant QA on quality issues.
• Brings new ideas on products and process across the product range for different regions.
• Travels, both domestically and internationally- (up to 25-40% of job)
• Role requires on-site presence up to 5 days a week most weeks.
• Ensures adherence to all company policies and procedures.
• Understands and demonstrates the Company’s core values.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills that will make you successful

• Demonstrated ability to flex workstyle in different cultures, ways of working, and learning environments
• Ability to apply scientific knowledge to confectionery technology (including mogul depositing technology).
• Comfortable operating laboratory, pilot plant, and plant equipment
• Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Drive for Results (Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully)
• Deals with Ambiguity (Can effectively and comfortably cope with change and shifting of gears)
• Attention to Detail
• Works well with others and individually
• Time management (Uses his/her time effectively and efficiently)

Experiences that will support your success

• BS, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Food Science, or Food Engineering, or related field, required.
• 5-10 years’ experience in food industry or related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (bilingual if possible: Spanish preferred)
• Strong mathematical skills
• Strong computer skills – including Microsoft Office (Word), Spreadsheets, and SAP

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we’re proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $81,225 - $113,500 annually.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.