Application Specialist

Puratos; Campus (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Life and disability insurance

Onsite health exams

Nurse access

Job summary

Puratos is growing its R&D team and seeks an Application Specialist to develop and implement innovative concepts on industrial bakery lines. You will troubleshoot on-site, support customers, and lead the deployment of new Puratos technologies, driving business growth.

You will collaborate across teams, build expertise, and train customers while advancing your career in a global bakery ingredients leader with strong quality and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field.
• 5 years of hands-on experience in industrial bakery production.
• Understanding of ingredient functionality and interactions.
• ICT skills: Proficiency in standard Windows applications, Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Travel: Up to 70% travel required.
• Analytical and pragmatic approach.
• Proactive, not accepting the status quo; customer-oriented with networking skills.
• Team player with project management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Development & implementation of new products and concepts on Industrial Bakery lines.
• Lead the implementation of new concepts and technical solutions on the production line.
• Troubleshoot at customer locations and respond to technical challenges in bakeries.
• Lead trouble shooting at industrial bakeries; identify Puratos solutions addressing challenges.
• Sales support and identifying new business opportunities at large customers.
• Write detailed reports and manage technical information with 5S/GMP compliance.

Skills

Strong communication

Analytical thinking

Proactive mindset

Team player

Customer-oriented

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

Join the Growing Puratos R&D Team!

Our R&D team is growing and has immediate opportunities for Application Specialists! Expand your career with a global leader in the bakery, patisserie, and chocolate ingredients industry. Share the latest food innovations that promote health and well-being and grow your magic in a supportive culture that fosters professional development and a dynamic, forward-thinking work environment.

Your Mission

The Application Specialist supports profitable business growth by developing and implementing innovative concepts and solutions on industrial production lines. This role will also troubleshoot specific issues to ensure smooth operations and enhance customer satisfaction.

Primary Responsibilities

• Development & Implementation of new products and concepts on Industrial Bakery lines
• Participate in the early stages of new developments and the creation of demo concepts
• Proactively develop new bread concepts using the Puratos technologies and in line with the market trends
• Understand our R-A-P (Recipe – Additive – Process) approach required for successful implementation
• Lead the implementation of new concepts and technical solutions on the production line of our industrial bakery customers
• Trouble shooting at customer locations
• Respond to customers’ needs when facing technical challenges in their bakeries
• Lead the trouble shooting work at industrial bakeries
• May be to protect existing business or to develop new business opportunities
• Capable to identify Puratos solutions that may address the challenge
• Sales Support
• Identify new business opportunities at large customers (prospection)
• Detect products at risk
• Implement appropriate solutions (existing and new)
• Make internal and external presentation and seminars explaining benefits of our products
• Participate in strategic exercises intending to develop our business in the above mentioned products. This should be based on a good understanding of the local market.
• Manage accurately all technical administration
• Write detailed and thorough reports of all technical interventions
• Manages all technical information to ensure accessibility and confidentiality
• Use the templates developed by the R&D team
• Build expertise & network in specialty area
• Becoming leading expert in the product range by training and field experience.
• Build around the expertise an active network of high commercial value of customers, equipment suppliers, researchers, vendors and the international Puratos R&D community
• Provide intelligence on innovative raw materials & technologies that can differentiate our products
• Assure premium performances of the R&D lab by designing standardized baking tests and respecting the 5S and GMP policy.
• Act with Safety in mind
• Food Safety
• Report all food safety and quality issues to immediate Supervisor and / or head of Quality and take immediate action as appropriate within the team as defined by Quality procedures.
• Comply with our food safety procedures upon new raw material selection, product development or modification and sample preparation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field
• 5 years of hands‑on experience in industrial bakery production
• Understanding of ingredient functionality and interactions
• ICT Skills: Proficiency in standard Windows applications, minimum Excel
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Travel: Up to 70% travel required
• Passion for industry processing, combining intelligence with hands‑on skills.
• Analytical and pragmatic approach
• Highly communicative and dynamic personality
• Proactive, not accepting the status quo
• Customer-oriented with a sense for business development opportunitiesStrong networking skills
• Self‑motivated with a positive attitude
• Team player with project management capabilities

Physical Requirements

• Regularly lift up to 55 lbs; up to 75 lbs with assistance
• Frequent standing, walking, pushing/pulling
• Occasional climbing, kneeling, squatting, reaching, and bending
• Constant visual attention (near and far)

Work Environment

• Exposure to noise, temperature variations, dust/fumes, and machinery
• Occasional work at heights and on uneven surfaces

Looking for a Career for Good?

Compensation for this role is hourly and will be based on your experience, skills, and location, with a yearly range between $75,000-$107,813/year. Additional compensation earned through a 20% targeted UniCode annual bonus. Amount based on personal and company performance.

What You Can Expect From Puratos

• Insurance coverage beginning the first of the month—no extra waiting period to get started
• Immediate 401(k) eligibility including a fully vested matching contribution
• Receive over 5 weeks total of paid time off within your first year of service
• Free life coaches, convenient onsite health exams, 24/7 access to Registered Nurses
• Puratos-paid insurance coverage to protect you and your family including Life and Disability insurance

If you are a solution oriented and analytical thinker with a passion for leading and inspiring people, we invite you to experience the magic of being yourself and join us for “a career for good.”