R&D Executive

Ülker; Karaman Merkez; On-site; TRY 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Ülker is seeking an experienced Food/Chemical Engineer to lead research and development for new and existing products in our FMCG portfolio. You will translate consumer needs into concepts and drive successful product concepts from idea to launch.

The role requires 5+ years in FMCG R&D, cross-functional collaboration with marketing, supply chain, and production, and fluency in English. SAP knowledge is a plus; we value curiosity, innovation, and a proactive problem-solving mindset.

Qualifications

• Graduate from Food Engineering or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of FMCG R&D experience.
• Strong interest in innovation; studies consumer trends.
• Experience in cross-functional, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proficient in English (verbal and written).

Responsibilities

• Research formulations of new and existing products.
• Develop products aligned with targeted financial performance.
• Manage group specifications for production processes.
• Lead cost reduction projects with alternative materials.
• Identify market needs and conduct new product development research.
• Coordinate R&D projects and report progress.
• Ensure products comply with regulations and global standards.
• Define and implement process/raw material standards.

Skills

English proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication skills

Education

BSc in Food Engineering or Chemical Engineering

Tools

SAP

Job description

Who we are?

With production starting in a small shop in Nohutçu Han, Eminönü in 1944, Ülker has since grown to become the leading food company in Turkey and the region, with more than 300 brands, exports to more than 100 countries around the world, and successful overseas operations. Its wide range of products all-share Ülker's values, with brands in categories including biscuits, cake, chocolate, candy, and gum. By placing sustainability principles and objective orientation at the center of its business model, Ülker continues to contribute to Turkey's economy with its turnover of 7.8 billion TL, close to 9,000 employees, and its zero-waste policy.

pladis was founded in 2016 as a subsidiary of Yıldız Holding, headquartered in Istanbul with the aim of ensuring synergy among the group’s international snack brands and increasing its global competitiveness. Consolidating 300 years of experience in bakery products, chocolate, gum and candy, it is home to beloved, iconic brands such as Ülker, McVitie’s and Godiva. With 25 factories in 11 countries, and a global workforce of 16,000 people in its operations in over 100 countries, pladis offers its consumers the highest quality products and services.

A brief job description of the position and preferred qualifications for the suitable candidates are defined below:

What will be your key deliverables?

• Researching formulations of new and existing products and developing innovative, profitable, healthy, safe, and delicious products,
• Developing products aligned with targeted financial performance, selecting the right raw materials with appropriate price, quality, and safety criteria,
• Controlling group specifications for production processes and continuously researching best practices,
• Leading cost reduction projects along with alternative raw materials and suppliers.
• Identifying market needs and consumer demands and conducting new product development research,
• Managing R&D project processes; performing project planning, coordination, and reporting activities,
• Ensuring products comply with relevant regulations and global standards,
• Defining and implementing process and raw material standards for the products,
• Following and analyzing innovations and technological developments in the FMCG sector and supporting R&D activities.
• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, supply chain, quality and production
• Preferably experienced in sensory evaluation techniques and managing internal or external tasting panels.

What do you need for this role?

• Graduate from Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering departments
• Minimum 5 years of R&D experience in FMCG food industry is required with track record of successful developments
• Passionate about innovation; actively researches global and local consumer trends, new raw materials, and technologies with a strong sense of curiosity to translate them into successful product concepts
• Experience working in cross-functional, multi-disciplinary teams in a dynamic environment
• Proficient in verbal and written English communication
• Proficient in MS Office programs; knowledge of SAP is a plus
• Identifying problems proactively and creating and implementing solutionsExperienced in project management, capable of completing projects on time and within quality standards
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Our winning traits and behaviors

• PURPOSE-LED - Energized by our promise to deliver happiness to the world with every bite
• AGILE - Ever evolving, never satisfied and never standing still
• COLLABORATIVE - Willing to work with others for mutual success, transparent, a win-win seeker
• RESILIENT - Quick to adapt to change, fast learner and persistent in the face of setbacks
• POSITIVE - Self-motivated, optimistic, courageous, and inspiring