Ferrero
R&D and Quality Product Design Lead - Confectionery, North America
Ferrero, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Overview
R&D and Quality Product Design Lead - Confectionery, North America Location: Chicago Posted: 4 days ago • Be among the first 25 applicants About the Role
As the
Food Safety & Quality Product Design NAM Manager , your mission is to ensure that FSQ principles are embedded into every stage of the product development process — from concept to launch — by designing and updating product FSQ specifications that are clear, actionable, and aligned across the global value chain. You will act as a key point of contact between FSQ and other core functions such as R&D, Marketing, and other functions, facilitating product innovation while safeguarding compliance and quality standards. The role scope covers North America for branded products and provides integration support for other industrial portfolios. Main Responsibilities
Write and maintain FSQ product specifications for NAM products, setting rules that production plants and partners must follow to meet standards. These rules cover the entire value chain, including raw materials, process parameters, shelf life, sensory aspects, and final product characteristics. Lead continuous improvement of these specifications by integrating data from field operations, plant audits, and consumer feedback, and by engaging with Group FSQ Industrial & Supply. Support all stages of the product innovation pipeline, collaborating with NAM R&D and other stakeholders to ensure FSQ criteria are integrated from the beginning of development. Participate in industrial trials to ensure safety and quality expectations are met in real-world production settings. Participate in governance meetings to ensure FSQ perspectives are embedded in strategic decisions. Lead the development and management of KPIs and FSQ Innovation dashboards, providing insights at category and product levels. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, food science, food technology, chemistry, biology or related field with 8+ years of experience in quality, food safety, R&D, product development and industrial production. Deep understanding of confectionery, chocolate and biscuit products, their processes and risks, and ability to translate knowledge into precise, actionable FSQ specifications. Experience managing complexity and leading with confidence in the food industry. Ability to interact with diverse stakeholders and balance innovation with compliance. Proactive mindset, strong organizational skills, and a collaborative approach to align global teams around shared standards. Managerial experience leading and developing others; ability to navigate change for transformation and integration projects. Strong presentation, project management, planning, coordination skills and functional knowledge of SAP. Broad Food Safety & Quality experience across the full value chain from suppliers to customers. FDA/FSMA/CFIA knowledge and ability to adapt group procedures to the NAM region (preferred). Compensation
The base salary range for this position is
$150,541 - $200,722
annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time. In addition to base salary, a comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits. How to be successful in the role
Consumer focus and care are at the heart of Ferrero. Be dedicated to crafting brilliant results for consumers worldwide. Exhibit a strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with employees at all levels. Work independently and as part of a team, build strong stakeholder relationships, and adapt to a dynamic environment to become a high performer. Diversity and Equal Opportunity
Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture. Ferrero N.A. provides
equal
employment
opportunities
(EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Seniority level
Mid-Senior level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology Industries
Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr
R&D and Quality Product Design Lead - Confectionery, North America Location: Chicago Posted: 4 days ago • Be among the first 25 applicants About the Role
As the
Food Safety & Quality Product Design NAM Manager , your mission is to ensure that FSQ principles are embedded into every stage of the product development process — from concept to launch — by designing and updating product FSQ specifications that are clear, actionable, and aligned across the global value chain. You will act as a key point of contact between FSQ and other core functions such as R&D, Marketing, and other functions, facilitating product innovation while safeguarding compliance and quality standards. The role scope covers North America for branded products and provides integration support for other industrial portfolios. Main Responsibilities
Write and maintain FSQ product specifications for NAM products, setting rules that production plants and partners must follow to meet standards. These rules cover the entire value chain, including raw materials, process parameters, shelf life, sensory aspects, and final product characteristics. Lead continuous improvement of these specifications by integrating data from field operations, plant audits, and consumer feedback, and by engaging with Group FSQ Industrial & Supply. Support all stages of the product innovation pipeline, collaborating with NAM R&D and other stakeholders to ensure FSQ criteria are integrated from the beginning of development. Participate in industrial trials to ensure safety and quality expectations are met in real-world production settings. Participate in governance meetings to ensure FSQ perspectives are embedded in strategic decisions. Lead the development and management of KPIs and FSQ Innovation dashboards, providing insights at category and product levels. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, food science, food technology, chemistry, biology or related field with 8+ years of experience in quality, food safety, R&D, product development and industrial production. Deep understanding of confectionery, chocolate and biscuit products, their processes and risks, and ability to translate knowledge into precise, actionable FSQ specifications. Experience managing complexity and leading with confidence in the food industry. Ability to interact with diverse stakeholders and balance innovation with compliance. Proactive mindset, strong organizational skills, and a collaborative approach to align global teams around shared standards. Managerial experience leading and developing others; ability to navigate change for transformation and integration projects. Strong presentation, project management, planning, coordination skills and functional knowledge of SAP. Broad Food Safety & Quality experience across the full value chain from suppliers to customers. FDA/FSMA/CFIA knowledge and ability to adapt group procedures to the NAM region (preferred). Compensation
The base salary range for this position is
$150,541 - $200,722
annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time. In addition to base salary, a comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits. How to be successful in the role
Consumer focus and care are at the heart of Ferrero. Be dedicated to crafting brilliant results for consumers worldwide. Exhibit a strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with employees at all levels. Work independently and as part of a team, build strong stakeholder relationships, and adapt to a dynamic environment to become a high performer. Diversity and Equal Opportunity
Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture. Ferrero N.A. provides
equal
employment
opportunities
(EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Seniority level
Mid-Senior level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology Industries
Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr