Food Science Research Manager

Description du poste:

The Bel Group is a major player in the food industry through portions of dairy, fruit and plant-based products, and one of the world leaders in branded cheeses. Its portfolio of differentiated and internationally recognized brands includes The Laughing Cow®, Kiri®, Babybel®, Boursin® Nurishh®, Pom'Potes® and GoGo squeeZ®, as well as some 30 local brands. Together, these brands helped the Group generate sales of EUR3.74 billion in 2024.

Do you want to join a company with strong brands that puts consumers and responsibility at the heart of the decision-making process? Then Bel is made for you!

Are you bold, pragmatic, and determined? Do you want to contribute to the transformation of an international agri-food company? Them come join us and measure the impact of your talent and energy in realizing an ambitious and sustainable company project!

#IWorkForAllForGood

POSITION CONTEXT

Bel's signature reflects the Group's commitment to providing healthy, portion-controlled snacking options worldwide, while limiting its carbon footprint. This transition requires us to rethink our products, transformation processes, and sourcing of raw materials, ingredients, and packaging on a global scale. Within Bel Group's RID (Research, Innovation & Development) organization, Applied Research plays a crucial role by integrating and leveraging technological advancements to support innovation acceleration and prepare for the Group's future.

📍 12-month fixed-term contract - Starting January 2026, Vendôme (41) - Bel Group Research & Innovation Center

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

In this position, you will lead Applied Research projects aiming to ensure interaction and synergy between new ingredients, technologies, processes, and product structure and texture. Your mission will be to provide recommendations on the feasibility of integrating these new ingredients by assessing their relevance and added value for the intended applications.

To this end, you will collaborate within an international ecosystem including start-ups and ingredient suppliers. You will work in a laboratory offering cutting-edge analytical capabilities, with significant opportunities to expand these capacities through external partnerships.

As part of the Food Physics team, you will report to the team manager, with your primary missions including:

* Developing the research strategy based on the scientific and technical state of the art, and creating the master plan for internal projects under your responsibility

* Taking necessary initiatives to ensure the proper progress of assigned scientific projects, managing them in accordance with set objectives, deadlines, and the established project management processes (milestones, decision points, etc.)

* Contributing to the evaluation and optimal use of resources required to accomplish the projects

* Conducting technical studies to improve product quality and productivity, gaining a better understanding and mastery of raw materials and processes to explore new technologies

* Planning, organizing, and conducting pilot and laboratory trials (rheology, texture measurement, particle size analysis, microscopy) needed to advance the project

* Supervising technical and operational staff that may be assigned to projects

* Regularly reporting results and progress to stakeholders and to internal and external partners

PROFILE

Master's degree or engineering background in agri-food. Your academic path includes a PhD in food technology, with confirmed experience in cheese or dairy technology and protein physico-chemistry. You are proficient in characterization techniques such as food rheology, light scattering, and microscopy. You also have knowledge in sensory analysis and microbiological quality.

If you think that this job is for you, please click now on the button "Apply". The recruitment team of your site will contact you very soon