Formulation Manager

Join Farmina Pet Foods and be part of a fast-growing global team!

Farmina Pet Foods is a leading Italian company specializing in pet nutrition, with over 50 years of experience and a presence in more than 62 countries worldwide. Our approach is rooted in science and inspired by nature, with a strong commitment to innovation and collaboration with universities.

We are looking for ambitious, proactive professionals who thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. At Farmina, we believe in investing in our people through continuous training and professional development. By joining our team, you’ll work alongside an international network of experts, gain hands-on experience in a growing industry, and benefit from a competitive compensation package.

Role Purpose

The Formulation Manager will be responsible for overseeing the development, optimization, and compliance of pet food recipes. This role bridges nutritional science, laboratory analysis, and industrial production, ensuring that all products meet internal quality standards, budgetary targets, and destination country regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Recipe Formulation & Optimization: Manage and optimize formulas for pet food products using specialized formulation software, balancing nutritional requirements, raw material availability, and production costs.
• Production Process Integration: Collaborate closely with the operations team to align formulations with plant technology, demonstrating a solid understanding of manufacturing processes such as grinding, dosing, and extrusion .
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the key liaison between the Formulation department, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and Production to ensure seamless implementation of product specifications.
• Compliance & Regulation: Ensure all formulations comply with international industry standards and guidelines ( FEDIAF, AAFCO ).
• Laboratory & Analytical Oversight: Supervise and interpret chemical analyses specific to the pet food sector in compliance with Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 , ensuring accurate monitoring of raw materials and finished goods.
• Raw Material Management: Evaluate and manage the nutritional and technical characteristics of both animal and vegetable raw materials used in pet food production.

Requirements & Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Degree: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Animal Production (Produzione Animale) , Animal Nutrition, Food Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Proven experience in the pet food or animal feed sector, with specific expertise in using formulation software .

Technical Skills:

• Nutritional Knowledge: Strong background in pet nutrition and comprehensive knowledge of animal and vegetable raw materials specific to pet food.
• Regulatory Expertise: Deep familiarity with FEDIAF and AAFCO guidelines, as well as European laboratory standards ( Regulation 152).
• Food Chemistry: Solid grounding in food chemistry and the standard laboratory chemical analyses applied in the industry.
• IT Skills: Advanced proficiency in MS Excel for data analysis, reporting, and tracking.

Soft Skills & Language:

• Languages: Fluent English (written and spoken) is mandatory, as the role is located in an international plant.
• Analytical Skills: High precision, strong attention to detail, and robust analytical capabilities.
• Problem-Solving & Organization: Excellent organizational skills with a proactive approach to troubleshooting production or formulation issues.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to interact effectively with diverse teams and international departments.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work in a growing, international environment.
• Relocation package and benefits related to the foreign assignment.
• Competitive salary aligned with experience and background.