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

About Ingredion:

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Hamburg

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.

What you will do:

• Develop new and creative food concepts that support business growth and showcase innovative texturizing solutions leveraging Ingredion’s portfolio.
• Identify and demonstrate compelling value propositions for Ingredion’s portfolio, including nutritional products and emerging food ingredients, aligned with market trends and driving new or expanded customer opportunities.
• Conduct formulation and evaluation work in the Idea Labs Culinology Center and pilot plant to advance projects promoting functional, value-added ingredient solutions, with a focus on Bakery, Snacks & Confectionery (BSC). Engage with stakeholders via virtual and in-person meetings, presentations, and trade shows.
• Take full ownership of the Idea Labs Culinology Center, ensuring a clean, safe, and compliant work environment by adhering to good housekeeping practices, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and safety standards.

What you will bring:

• Experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Development Chef, ideally with a bakery/pastry background or a strong focus on food innovation and R&D.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Culinology, Culinary Arts, Food Science, Culinary Nutrition, or a related field, combined with 3–5 years of experience in food product and formula development; exposure to market trends is a plus.
• Strong understanding of food processes and ingredient interactions, with experience working in or alongside industrial manufacturing, ingredient suppliers, or consumer goods companies.
• Hands-on expertise in creative food concept development using culinary kitchens, laboratories, and pilot plant equipment.
• Excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to safety and hygiene standards; fluent in English, with additional European languages (preferably German) as an advantage.

Who you are:

• Passionate about culinology, combining culinary arts, food technology, and a strong interest in the food industry.
• Customer-focused, able to create differentiated value and deliver impactful solutions while building trust through responsiveness and clear expectations.
• Innovative and creative, with a mindset that encourages new ideas and forward-thinking solutions.
• Results-driven and accountable, taking ownership of responsibilities and collaborating effectively to achieve shared goals.
• Curious and open-minded, with a continuous learning mindset and a genuine passion for food culture, paired with strong communication skills and the ability to work across cross-functional and international teams.

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 within a 37-hour work week

• 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 Deutschland 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.

Relocation Available:

No