Application Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) eligibility

Paid time off

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

Puratos USA is seeking an Application Specialist to support profitable growth by developing and implementing innovative concepts on industrial bakery lines. You will troubleshoot issues to ensure smooth operations and enhance customer satisfaction, while expanding Puratos solutions with high-value customers.

The role requires up to 70% travel, a Bachelor’s in Food Science or related field, and hands-on bakery production experience, with strong communication and analytical skills to drive

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, minimum Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Travel: Up to 70% travel required.

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 of our industrial bakery customers.
• Trouble shooting at customer locations and respond to technical challenges in bakeries.
• Identify Puratos solutions addressing challenges and explore new business opportunities.
• Write detailed reports of technical interventions and manage technical information with 5S and GMP.
• Present Puratos benefits and participate in strategic exercises based on local market needs.

Skills

Ingredient functionality understanding

Analytical thinking

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

Job Location USA - Chicago Innovation Center Campus (IL)

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

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 opportunities

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)

Exposure to noise, temperature variations, dust/fumes, and machinery

Occasional work at heights and on uneven surfaces

Looking for a Career for Good?

Compensation:

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

Puratos is a global purpose-driven company focused on bringing people together through food innovation for good. We offer a full range of innovative food ingredients and services for the bakery, patisserie, and chocolate sectors, serving artisans, retailers, industrial and food service companies in over 100 countries around the world. Our passion for innovation, pioneering spirit, and core values continue to propel our global ambitions. This coupled with our commitment to our communities is what makes working at Puratos so magical.

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.”

Grow Your Career At Puratos USA

At Puratos USA, we offer a wide range of career opportunities across our HQ, innovation centers, production facilities, and distribution sites nationwide. Our commitment to safety, health and wellbeing, collaboration, and the latest technology ensures that our employees can innovate and thrive. Headquartered in Pennsauken, NJ, with locations in Boston, Chicago, Kenosha, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Seattle, we create pathways for career development and impactful contributions within the company, industry, and the communities we operate in.

We are a People First organization driven by our values and Puratos magic culture. Join us to drive positive change through food innovation for good.

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.