Sr. Customer R&D Project Manager Location: Pennsauken, US, 8110 At Barry Callebaut, we are on a journey to transform the cocoa and chocolate industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, our actions truly shape the future of our industry. We are a business-to-business company, serving the entire food sector, from the cocoa bean to the finest chocolate product. We are a company with a purpose, we believe in doing well by doing good and reinvesting in the communities we operate. We have a long-standing commitment to sustainability and our goal is to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future. We are headquartered in Zurich, and have more than 12,000 passionate Employees working in more than 40 countries worldwide. We are very proud of who we are and what we do. And of course, we are always looking for talented people to help us have a positive impact on our industry and beyond! About the role: Barry Callebaut is a global organization poised for growth; a company that has embraced the vision to delight its customers while out-performing its competitors, a business that is committed to sustainability, has innovation in its DNA, is a leader in complex manufacturing and supply chain solutions and is focused on being a best-in-class employer. Barry Callebaut seeks diverse and passionate people who thrive in a dynamic environment, focused on continuous learning, living BC’s Values, and of course, loving chocolate. Under the responsibility of the Customer Innovation & Technical Services (CI&TS) Director, the Sr. Customer CI&TS Project Manager will be responsible for managing complex CI&TS projects and the development of new products. The Sr. Customer CI&TS Project Manager linked to the relevant Salesperson(s) and their corresponding customers has a broad responsibility. The role will be responsible for translating customer requirements into projects and new products, resulting in growth in volumes and margins. The individual in this role will be a highly influential key technical contact and solution provider for the customer. He or she is also the go-to person when technical expertise/support is needed and will be actively involved in internal strategic projects. Key responsibilities include: ● Project Management: Lead and manage complex new product development projects from theoretical recipe to lab prototype and industrial product for internal and external clients. Ensure full project follow-up and completion of necessary project documents, including recipe creation. Drive complete project from concept to commercialisation. ● Project Leadership: Provide guidance and direction to the CI&TS product experts and technologists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. Translate technical learnings and insights into commercial opportunities. Lead also customer projects for PDI or innovations with our Product Experts and Innovation people. ● Technical Expertise: Offer necessary technical support and expertise to vendors, customers, operations and quality when product-related problems occur. Advise the sales team on technical and application matters. Provide assistance to all departments as needed regarding technical issues related to confectionery product manufacturing. ● Customer Engagement: Actively participate in customer visits and plant trials, providing technical expertise and support to drive successful customer projects. ● Cross-Functional Collaboration: Actively participate in various projects of the Customer Innovation & Technical Services team, maintaining close interaction with Sales, Operations, Quality, Sourcing and Cocoa CI&TS within the country or region. ● Customer Relations: Serve as the key technical contact for the customer, building strong relationships and effectively communicating project updates, technical recommendations, and solutions. ● Market Development: Identify and pursue new market opportunities by providing technical support and insights to existing and potential customers. ● Project Documentation: Oversee, ensure and complete accurate and comprehensive project follow-up, documentation, including recipe creation. About you: ● 10 + years of relevant experience in the food industry, with a strong focus on new product development. Extensive knowledge of the confectionery sector is highly desirable. ● Master's Degree in Food Technology Sciences, Food Engineering, or Food Science. Or equal due to experience. ● R&D development experience ● Extensive experience in the Food industry and chocolate or industry that uses chocolate or cocoa ● Proven experience in leading and managing cross-functional teams. Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop team members. ● Solution driven, capable of working under pressure, and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously. ● Excellent teamwork, communication, and leadership of influence. ● Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to translate technical findings into actionable insights and commercial opportunities. ● Flexibility and willingness to travel up to 30% of the time ● Excellent oral and written communication skills, including external customer communication. Ability to present technical information in a clear and concise manner. ● Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, Google suites and Salesforce required. Knowledge of SAP or other project management software is an asset. ● Proficient in English required What you can expect from Barry Callebaut: ● Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package ● Paid time off, plus 12 paid holidays, plus your birthday off ● Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility ● An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC! Just ask our champions with the Americas Women’s Forum and the Racial Equality Forum! ● Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth ● Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all of our products. At Barry Callebaut, we are committed to Diversity & Inclusion. United by our strong values, we thrive on the diversity of who we are, where we come from, what we’ve experienced and how we think. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where people can truly be themselves, grow to their full potential and feel they belong. #oneBC - Diverse People, Sustainable Growth. If you want to learn more about Barry Callebaut, please find further information here. Were you missing anything in this job ad? Please share your feedback with us by clickinghere (https://app.talenthub.io/feedback/ad81b0fb66d2416990060452e7511e45?default\_lang=en) .