Customer R&D Manager

Company:IRCA Group is a leading international B2B provider of semi-finished ingredients for the bakery, pastry, and gelato markets.Our products cater to independent producers as well as large food manufacturers.We produce chocolate, decorations, creams, inclusions, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and other bakery/pastry essentials.Headquartered in Italy, IRCA Group boasts a strong track record of growth over the past decade, with 22 manufacturing facilities all over the world, 300+ employee and €1 billion of revenues.What we offer:IRCA fosters a dynamic environment, embracing diversity and valuing diverse perspectives and international experiences, offering a stimulating context.We promote professional growth by providing tailor-made development programs and career advancement opportunities locally and internationally.With locations worldwide, we offer the chance to work on international projects, collaborate across cultures, and gain a global perspective.Joining our team means becoming part of a global community of passionate professionals dedicated to making a difference.If you are looking for stimulating challenges and the chance to contribute your ideas for process improvement in an ever-growing company, IRCA is the right place.Purpose of position: We are looking for an experiencedR&D Customer Managerto join our Research & Development team, with a focus inFood Manufacturingand onchocolate and fat-based creams.This role will act as a bridge between commercial and technical teams, supporting product development and industrialisation processes for key clients across the EMEA region.Geographic Scope:Manage a portfolio across the EMEA region, including Spain, Germany, Belgium, the Balkans, and the UK.Work with bothB2B and B2C companies, with a stronger focus on B2CWillingness to travel occasionally within the region.ResponsibilitiesCollaborate closely with Sales to receive and translate customer briefs into concrete product development plansDevelop new recipes or drive cost-saving/optimisation projects, ensuring feasibility for scale-upCoordinate sample creation in partnership with R&D Specialists and Application TechniciansMonitor both internal and external application tests, including customer plant trials when neededApprove samples and validate recipes before full-scale production and shipment to customersLiaise with Lab Technicians (chocolate and creams) to plan and interpret lab analysis based on project needsManage technical documentation: product codes, technical data sheets, application reportsParticipate inInnovation Days(in Italy and abroad) to showcase IRCA's production sites, technology, and know-howProvide cross-functional support to Production and Quality teams for recipe standardisation and continuous improvementRequirementsDegree in Food Science & Technology or related fieldsMinimum 3 years' experience in a similar R&D role in the food industry (confectionery preferred)Strong technical knowledge of chocolate and fat-based cream production processesHands-on experience with industrial scale-up and cross-functional project coordinationHigh attention to detail, autonomy, and ability to work under pressure on multiple parallel projectsFluent in English (mandatory); additional languages are a plusWe welcome applications from candidates of all genders, backgrounds, identities, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, parental responsibilities, age, religion, or belief.We believe in equal opportunities for all and ensure that our hiring process complies with the highest standards of non-discrimination and inclusivity.IRCA Group is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves, reach their full potential, and feel a true sense of belonging.Join us in creating a workplace where diversity is valued, and everyone can thrive.Il presente annuncio è rivolto ai candidati dell'uno e dell'altro sesso ai sensi del D.lgs.******** e ai candidati appartenenti a qualsiasi genere, nel rispetto dei principi di diversità e inclusione e di non discriminazione.#J-*****-Ljbffr