Project Manager, Customer R&D

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 over 40 countries worldwide.

Under the responsibility of the R&D Director, the Customer R&D Project Manager will manage R&D projects and develop new products. The role is linked to the relevant Salesperson(s) and their corresponding customers. The Project Manager translates customer requirements into projects and new products, resulting in growth in volumes and margins. The individual serves as an influential key technical contact and solution provider for the customer.

Besides customer projects, the Project Manager may also be involved in internal strategic initiatives.

We are seeking a candidate who is technically strong in food chemistry, possesses excellent problem‑solving skills, and demonstrates exceptional organizational skills. The ideal candidate is a clear and effective communicator, capable of engaging with both customers and internal stakeholders (Sales, Operations, Quality, etc.). Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and experienced in leading projects from start to finish. Experience in the chocolate or cocoa industry is a plus.

• Project Management:
  Manage 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 documents, including recipe creation.
• Project Leadership:
  Coach and collaborate with the relevant R&D product experts and technologists to produce lab samples and advance projects. Translate technical learnings and insights into commercial opportunities. Lead also customer projects for PDI or innovations with our Product Experts and Innovation people.
• Technical Support:
  Provide necessary technical support to vendors, customers, QA and operations when product‑related problems occur. Advise the sales team on technical and application matters and assist all departments as needed regarding technical issues related to confectionery product manufacturing.
• Product safety:
  Maintain product safety by adopting behaviours meeting the established requirements.
• Customer Engagement:
  Participate in customer visits and plant trials as needed to support customer projects.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Actively participate in various projects of the Research and Development team, maintaining close interaction with Sales, Operations, Quality, Sourcing and cocoa R&D within the country or region.
• Customer Relations:
  Serve as the key technical contact for the customer, ensuring development of internal and external customer relations and maintaining communication.
• Market Development:
  Provide technical support to existing and new customers, creating new market opportunities.
• Training:
  Contribute to training of customers or internal colleagues where applicable.
• Project Documentation:
  Complete full project follow‑up and necessary project documents, including recipe creation.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's Degree in Food Technology Sciences, Food Engineering, or Food Science. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience:
  
  R&D development experience. Minimum 5‑7 years of relevant experience in the food industry, with knowledge of the confectionery sector being a plus.
• Language Proficiency:
  Fluent in the local country language and good knowledge of English.
• Personal Attributes:
  Solution‑driven, capable of working under pressure, and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Excellent teamwork, communication, and interpersonal relation skills.
• Analytical Abilities:
  Strong…