Research & Development Manager Chile

Join the Magic

Are you passionate about shaping the future of food? At Puratos, we turn bold ideas into lasting impact through innovation, expertise, and a commitment to well-being.

To strengthen our team in Perú we are looking for:

Research & Development Manager

(Santiago de Chile, Chile)

Your Mission

As a member of the management team of the country, the R&D Manager will lead and grow the R&D team and activities of the company, considering both Group and local requirements. In close collaboration with customers and internal teams, he/she will develop Puratos as the partner in Food Innovation for Good in the bakery, patisserie and chocolate market in order to achieve the company’s objectives and outpace the market. Anticipates the changing corporate and global landscape from an R&D point of view and builds a robust R&D system and approach to prepare team accordingly.

What you will do

• Manage, coach and develop the R&D team. Ensure an effective and efficient operation of the team in high performance collaboration with other business areas.
• Develop or co-ordinate the implementation of Group and local innovations as well as product adaptations for all focus customers and customer segments, based on market trends and/or specific customer demands.
• Ensure both pro-actively and reactively technical support to the customers by investing time with them, with the appropriate channel language, to understand their needs in order to guide the implementation of Puratos solution/innovations for them to succeed with their business.
• Support the Innovation Center team to assure excellence in the execution of Customer Technical support strategy delivering best in class customer events, trainings, seminars and presentations in order to show up all Puratos capabilities and technical knowledge.
• Act as Business development together with Marketing and Sales teams by designing suitable business initiatives to roll out Bakery, Patisserie and Chocolate SBU strategies and tackle local market opportunities.
• Partner with Marketing team to drive the innovation agenda and fulfil the innovation pipeline as well as the renovation of product portfolio according to the product life cycle management.
• Develop a continuous dialogue with Regional R&D and country R&D teams in the context of project/priority management and best practice exchange.
• Manage the R&D cost budget as well as the government tax subsidy if appropriate.
• Ensure confidentiality of formulas and protection of know-how respecting the Group golden rules of Know-how protection.
• Provide support to the Quality team on the customer complaint management process.
• Ensure the accurate and complete technical documentation of our products. Ensure that all products have complete and correct technical data sheet.
• Manage all aspects of legal requirements related to ingredients, labeling and formulation for imports, exports and local products.
• Look for new alternatives of raw materials to improve the quality, cost and features of the products.
• Ensure Product and Process documentation and best practices to deliver product superiority under cost constraints and best available technology.
• Participate on the recommendation of CAPEX investment, together with the Engineering team, to install new technologies or to upgrade equipment, increase capacity or efficiency from the plants, pilot plants, innovation center and labs, in order to support the business continuous improvement strategy.
• Be an active member of the South and Central America Markets R&D community.

What we expect from you

• Academic background: University degree in food science or equivalent
• Preference, not mandatory: Recognized experience in new product development/applied R&D in the international food industry.
• Proven Experience in food related companies, preferably in the bakery and confectionery business.
• Experience with the food law and import procedures.
• Proficient in business English.
• Combines theorical expertise with hands-on.
• Experience leading people, providing coaching, developing talent, and building a high-performance team

What you can expect from Puratos

You join a rapidly growing international leader with a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, offering you the freedom to make an impact. At Puratos, we believe in rewarding talent and dedication. You can count on a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive market-based compensation
• Annual Performance Bonus
• Hybrid work format
• Access to training and professional development programs
• Car allowance and food allowance
• Additional corporate benefits

We are committed to fostering an environment where you can grow, innovate, and make an impact. If you're looking for a workplace that values transparency, development, and passion, we'd love to hear from you! 

Our Mission

At Puratos, we believe that food has extraordinary power in people’s lives. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we turn innovation and food culture into opportunities for our customers’ success. We continuously improve the way we work by being curious about digital innovation — including data, automation and AI — to learn, collaborate and create impact together.

We want to move the planet forward by creating innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere. With over 11,000 employees in over 85 countries and turnover of 3.6 billion euros (2025), Puratos thrives on innovation, a pioneering spirit, and a unique culture. Our strong growth and commitment to local communities make working at Puratos truly special."

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