About the Role: We have a current opening for a Raw Materials Expert and are actively reviewing applicants. The North American R&D raw material expert identifies new raw materials, develops and/or improves semi-finished and finished products for Innovation, Renovation and Brand Maintenance projects. Prepares, issues and updates the specifications of raw material of competence following the Ferrero policy. Supports the preparation and issuing of the related specifications. Analyzes the raw material to have the knowledge in term of testing, taste and shelf life. Define the raw material characteristics using external laboratories where needed and work in collaboration with Central team based out of Italy. In business continuity situations and for the constant brand maintenance ability to react quickly in case of challenges or take advantage of new opportunities. Support the Commercial & Operational team during trial test for eventual problems related to raw materials resolution. Verifies possible improvement technological-productive of alternative raw materials. Collaborates with the technical entities to ensure the raw material characteristics maintenance. Main Responsibilities: • Identifies new raw materials to enable the development of semi-finished and finished products in collaboration with Cross Functional team members and Ferrero’s strategic supplier partners. • Prepare, issue and update the specifications of new and existing raw materials of competence using the IT system of the company, receive all the information having contact with the supplier. • Lead Integration efforts for raw materials for Merger and Acquisitions within North America and support the preparation and issuing of the related specifications ensuring they comply with corporate policies. • Analyzes the data of experimental testing and taste, suggesting modification, and participating to the taste analysis to verify the product preservation. Coordinate with the supplier and internal lab for sample prep in the lab. • Provide the Product Technical Performance Manager & Operational team technical support and guidance for eventual challenges related to raw materials resolution • Coordinates laboratory testing to define raw materials characteristics, check the method of analysis, verify the level of contaminant and control if the raw material respects our specification. Create a database of all this information to share with the Quality Department. • Collaborates with the relevant business unit for the constant maintenance of regulatory updating (legislation and voluntary standards of the Category) to quickly grasp any emerging problems or to take advantage of new opportunities and share the information with the lab for the opportune analysis. • Verifies the used raw materials possible improvement through the study of technological productive interventions among suppliers and through the study of alternative raw materials • Collaborates with Procurement and Raw Material Quality for scouting and validation of raw material from alternate vendors as part of derisking opportunities within North America. About You: • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science required • 5-7 years of relevant experience in technical field with hands on experience. Specific focus on Raw Materials used in bakery and confectionery space. • Experience with Raw Material (processes), understand ingredient functionality and ingredient interactions in complex food matrix. • Knowledge of Food Law and Regulatory landscape within North America. • Strong verbal and written communication skills • Knowledge of raw material analysis method • SAP & PLM system Knowledge 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. Compensation Data The base salary range for this position is $110,000 - $150,658 annually. 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. Our Benefits & Perks: Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here. 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.