R&D Lab Operative

Ferrero; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 69,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Ferrero Innovation Center in Chicago seeks a Lab Operator, Bakery to develop new pastry products, run tasting sessions, and execute laboratory tests with precision. You will work under a Food Technologist to translate ideas into edible prototypes for a diverse range of sweet bakery items.

The role emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and adaptability in a multicultural environment, with semi-industrial lab equipment and a strong quality focus.

Qualifications

• Culinary education or pastry/baking training is required.
• 1–3 years of pastry/chocolate or bakery experience required.
• Creative and adaptable mindset with flexible attitude.
• Ability to work with semi-industrial lab equipment and new materials.

Responsibilities

• Create and produce pastry products following precise recipes.
• Prepare samples for tasting and physical-chemical tests; record data.
• Conduct lab tests, analyze results, and present findings to the team.
• Develop prototypes under guidance for Ferrero product range.

Skills

Pastry/Baking education

1-3 years pastry experience

Creative

Flexible

Multilingual (Spanish/Italian/French)

Education

Culinary diploma/training in Pastry and Baking

Job description

About the Role: We have a current opening for a Lab Operator, Bakery and are actively reviewing applications. The Ferrero Innovation Center represents a breakthrough in innovation within the world of sweet products, including bakery items, cookies, and healthier snacks like energy bars and protein bars. It is a laboratory where new products are conceived, baked, and tasted, a place where novel ingredients and raw materials are meticulously studied and blended to meet high-quality standards. It is a space where a creative and scientific approach is the key to bringing innovative products to life. The Innovation Center is in Chicago and consists of a small multicultural team, but it’s expanding! The company is linked to the Ferrero Group and our team collaborate with all the Ferrero labs and plants in the world.

Main Responsibilities

You will work on the development of new products, to fully meet different internal needs and requirements such as those related to the market, sensory attributes, quality, technology, etc. You will report to a Food Technologist.

LABORATORY ACTIVITIES

• Create and produce pastry food products while ensuring precise recipe instructions.
• Manufacture the samples needed for tasting session and physical-chemical tests.
• Ensure the timely and efficient execution of all laboratory tests in line with project development.
• Record and analyze data.
• Present product results to colleagues
• Investigate and test new equipment and ingredients.
• Understand the manufacturing processes for each food application (which may involve visiting factories)

PRODUCT INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

• Be involved in development and execution of potential products and ideas for tasting and samplings.
• Contribute ideas and concepts to initiate or advance food projects.
• Under the guidance of the Food Technologist, develop food prototypes, as needed, for the range of products based on the company’s food technology.

MAIN INTERFACES

• Local Food technologist
• Local product observatory and sensory

About You

• Culinary education or diploma/ training in Pastry and Baking.
• 1-3 years of experience in pastry/chocolate or bakery making, specialized training/or certification.
• Creative and adaptable with flexibility
• Able to make use of new technologies / raw materials to create new flavors.
• Curious and keen in exploring new ideas.
• Experienced in making pastry products from chocolate to bakeries goods.
• Willing to work with semi-industrial equipment in a laboratory environment.
• Multicultural sensitivity
• Team spirit
• Other languages (Spanish, Italian, French) are appreciated.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

As part of our recruitment process, Ferrero may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to assist with reviewing candidate applications. These tools are used solely to support recruiters by summarizing application information and identifying potential alignment with job requirements. AI does not independently screen out or select candidates, and it does not replace human judgment. Final decisions regarding candidate progression are always made by Ferrero recruiters and hiring managers.

What We Offer

Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.

The base compensation range for this position is $69,280 - $92,374. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.

In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits.

About Ferrero

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

DE&I at Ferrero

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding. Find out more here.

Ferrero is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable human rights laws. Ferrero will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is not able to perform the essential functions of the position even with reasonable accommodations), citizenship, or any other protected characteristic. Ferrero will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the People & Organization (HR) Representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.