Culinology & Pilot Plant Technologist (m/f/d)

Company Background

Ingredion is a Fortune 500 provider of ingredient solutions that help nourish, comfort, sustain, and delight people around the world. Ingredion's wide range of ingredient solutions is strategically designed to address changing consumer trends and preferences. Our specialty portfolio includes starch-based texturizers, clean and simple ingredients, plant-based proteins, sugar reduction and specialty sweeteners, and food systems. Our innovative ingredient solutions are used by consumers in everyday products, from foods and beverages to paper and pharmaceuticals. And we do it all in a planet-friendly sustainable manner.

Location: Hamburg

Reports to: Principal Culinologist EMEA Lead

Reports: none 

Workplace Type: On-site, up to 20% travel will be required

Grade: Tariff E10

As Culinology & Pilot Plant Technologist you will be responsible for identifying new customer opportunities to promote functional, value-added ingredients and ingredient solutions; conduct recipe formulation and evaluation including potential pilot plant processing to advance projects. In addition, you will be responsible for assisting in developing and maintaining excellent customer relationships, specifically with lead Research Chefs, Culinary Scientists and Product Developers in the region.

Core Responsibilities

• supports our business growth by developing new and creative food concepts to showcase innovative texturizing solutions considering Ingredion´s portfolio

• Identify and demonstrate value propositions for Ingredion´s portfolio, including nutritional products and emerging food ingredients, which are on trend and offer the potential for new or expanded business with customers.

• Conduct formulation and evaluation in the idea labs Culinology Center and pilot plant to advance projects that promote functional, value-added ingredients and ingredient solutions with a specialty focus on Bakery, Snacks & Confectionary (BSC). This will be done via phone, face-to-face meetings, presentations, and at trade shows.

• Proudly owning and taking full accountability for the idea labs Culinology Center. Maintain a clean, safe, work environment. Follow guidelines set out for good housekeeping, Good Manufacturing Practice and Safety.

Qualified candidates will have

Mandotory requirements:

• Head-Chef / Sous Chef or Development Chef currently, preferably with a bakery/pastry chef background or with a research focus.

• A bachelor degree in Culinology/Culinary, Food Science/Culinary Nutrition and/or other relevant discipline with 3 – 5 years' experience in the food industry, primarily in food product development and gold standard formula development. Industry trend and marketing experience a plus.

• Solid understanding of food processes, and the interactions between different food ingredients or ingredient systems.

• Experience in interactions with an industrial manufacturing environment and/or ingredient manufacturers or consumer goods manufacturing companies preferred.

• Demonstrate experience of creative, hands-on food concept development using culinary kitchen, laboratory, and pilot plant equipment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (technical reports for internal and external distribution, presentations, etc.).

• Fluent in English (verbal & written), other European language, preferably German.

• Keen to work to the highest standard with regard to safety & hygiene. Knowledge of using pilot equipment, food handling, methods and terminology used in food preparation.

Required behaviors and skills:

• Passion for Culinology – culinary arts and food technology, and the food industry.

• Win with Customers - Create differentiated value for internal and external customers to deliver winning services & solutions that enable growth. Respond quickly and set clear expectations around turnaround time to build trust and alignment.

• Innovate - Foster new ideas and creative thinking to deliver innovative solutions

• Drive for results – take personal ownership of tasks in your domain and collaboratively with others to deliver results.

• Learning - Be self-motivated, curious and open minded to new ideas and ways of thinking.

• Passionately supports and develops our Food Loving Culture.

• Excellent listener and friendly communicator that enjoys working in cross-functional teams and interacts well with all interfaces of our EMEA go-to-market team, global peers as well as with customers.

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Flexible Work Arrangements – We value flexibility to support you both professionally and personally (add depending on role)  

• Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success

• Generous Vacation Policy – Take advantage of 30 vacation days each year, plus two additional holidays on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve

• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Access health benefits, EGYM Wellpass Membership, savings plans, and resources for your well-being, plus perks like a Profi Ticket, free parking, and secure bicycle accommodations.

• Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities.

• Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally

• Employee Referral Program – Refer top talent and earn a bonus if they're hired

• Company Pension Plan – Secure your future with financial support for retirement.

• Company Events – Join in on our Christmas party, family day, or Sustainability day for fun and connection

Ingredion offers support to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If an applicant requires accommodation during the application or selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet their needs.

Privacy Notice: The Applicant Privacy Notice explains how Ingredion uses personal data of applicants and what rights an applicant has in relation to the use of this data for recruitment purposes. This notice applies to applications submitted through Ingredion's career websites and through third parties, such as recruitment agencies, job boards and other means, e. g. by post or e-mail. The announcement can be viewed here:

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Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.

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