The Project R&D Manager – Chocolate & Creams is responsible for leading the development, reformulation, and industrialization of chocolate and cream-based products from concept to commercialization. This role plays a critical part in delivering innovation, ensuring product quality, optimizing processes, and supporting business growth through technical expertise and cross-functional project leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead R&D projects related to chocolate and creams, from initial concept through scale-up and commercial launch, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
- Develop and reformulate products based on customer requirements, market trends, cost optimization, and regulatory compliance.
- Coordinate and execute pilot plant trials, lab experiments, and industrial validations, collaborating with production, quality, procurement, and marketing.
- Support innovation roadmap development by proposing new product ideas, technologies, and ingredients.
- Ensure product specifications, documentation, and technical data sheets are created and maintained accurately.
- Evaluate raw materials and ingredients, working with suppliers and procurement to ensure quality, availability, and functionality.
- Collaborate with Quality Assurance to ensure food safety, compliance, and shelf-life targets are met.
- Work closely with Sales and Marketing to provide technical support, presentations, and samples for customer projects.
- Monitor industry trends and competitive products to drive innovation and differentiation.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining timelines, budgets, and priorities.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field required
- 7+ years of progressive experience in product development, commercialization, or food manufacturing.
- Demonstrated experience leading large-scale NPD projects
- Strong background in customer-facing roles within B2B/Supplier environment
- Ability to travel up to 20%.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science or a related field
- 7+ years of progressive experience in product development, commercialization, or food manufacturing
- Experience leading large-scale new product development projects
- Strong customer-facing experience in a B2B or supplier environment
What We Do
Founded in 1919, IRCA Group is a global leader in the production of high-quality ingredient solutions for the pastry, bakery, chocolate, and gelato markets. Serving both artisans and industrial food manufacturers in over 100 countries, the company combines Italian heritage with innovation to provide a comprehensive portfolio of products, including creams, fruit preparations, and inclusions, helping professionals create extraordinary culinary experiences with simple, reliable, and scalable solutions.
