R&D Technologist

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, 2400+ employees and €1 billion in 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

As An R&D Technologist, You Will

• Become the subject matter expert in baked, extruded and panned inclusions, including baked biscuits, extruded cereals, sugar and chocolate panned products.
• Lead new product development projects, from preparing food samples in a lab environment to monitoring full-scale production.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional business teams (account managers, quality, operations, finance, regulatory, procurement, supply chain, etc.) to gather the insights and tools needed for successful project execution.
• Ensure ingredient functionality meets sample requirements and performs effectively in end applications.
• Troubleshoot alongside other technologists across key developments, fostering strong technical relationships.
• Identify, lead, and manage local Product Improvement Projects (PIP) aimed at cost efficiency, optimising raw materials, sourcing alternative suppliers, and ensuring label claims are upheld.
• Support site operations proactively, contributing to process and performance improvements.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• New Product Development: Lead product development initiatives, manage lab sample preparation, and oversee product trials.
• Technical Collaboration: Liaise with account managers, procurement, and regulatory teams to ensure comprehensive project understanding.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for improvement in production processes, efficiency, and cost savings.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Collaborate with peers on key development projects to solve technical issues.
• Sample Preparation: Independently plan and manage sample preparation weekly, ensuring high-quality standards.
  
  

Qualifications: Minimum Requirements

• Education: Technical background in food science or production.
• Experience: Working in a lab environment with food ingredients and manufacturing processes. Familiarity with good lab practices (GLP) and the ability to maintain an organized, safe environment.
• Skills:
• Teamwork, especially in distributed setups across Europe and the UK.
• Autonomy, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Strong written communication skills for clear documentation and progress updates.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment, sample handling, and accurate testing.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical Knowledge: Expertise in ice cream, desserts, confectionery, and functional ingredients (e.g., fats, emulsifiers).
• Experience: Quality control, new product development, extruded cereal, and baked products.
• Project Management: Experience managing product development projects.
• Personal Attributes: Organization, adaptability, and ability to work under pressure.
  
  

At Irca, we believe that diversity is a fundamental value and a source of strength and innovation. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, nationality, or any other dimension of diversity, feel welcomed, valued, and respected and encourage people of all natures to apply.