Project Specialist (Maternity Leave Cover)

Nexture Group is a global holding company based in Milan (Italy), specialized in the development and manufacture of high-quality food ingredients and value-added solutions for the global food industry with operations across Europe, Africa and the Americas. Since the beginning of 2026 that Frulact belongs to Nexture Group.

Frulact is an international business group, founded in Oporto, Portugal in 1987. Currently, we are positioned as a top-ranked innovative player in the supply of added-value ingredients for the food and beverage industry, focusing on fruit preparations, plant-based dairy alternatives, liquid flavors, and other specialty ingredients.  

We are a team of almost 900 people in full growth with factories located in Europe (Portugal, France, Germany and Switzerland), North America (Canada and USA) and Africa (Morocco and South Africa).

 We are looking for a Project Specialist - Maternity Leave Cover to join our RDI team in Maia.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Innovation Specialist:

• Develop objectives and design research projects with guidance;
• Formulate and carry out scientific experiments, data collection, analysis and evaluation of research data;
• Replicate, evaluate and refine research strategies and approaches in order to recommend improvements, test, customize and implement new methods and procedures;
• Answer research questions, problem solving, develop and write advanced experimental protocols and monitor ongoing projects, proposing and implementing changes;
• Propose techniques to improve the quality of research and team productivity;
• Contribute and write research results for posters, scientific articles, presentations, fellowships and other relevant documents;
• Support in the presentation of reports for funded projects;
• Mentor, train and advise researchers and junior students, as well as support senior research staff;
• Develop and follow standard operating procedures, as well as adhere to company security policies and guidelines;
• Technically manage internal and external R&D projects;
• Provide technical support to project stakeholders.

Incentive Management/ Funded Project:

• Monitor and maximize RDI incentives, including funded projects, SIFIDE, and other innovation funding schemes.
• Identify, assess, structure, budget, and present research projects aligned with business and funding objectives.
• Scout funding opportunities and new project ideas, supporting the development of the company's innovation portfolio.
• Build and maintain relationships with universities, research institutes, technology centres, and other innovation partners.
• Support the creation of consortiums and collaborative partnerships for national and international funding applications.
• Contribute to the preparation and submission of funding proposals, including technical and financial documentation.
• Prepare periodic reports on funded activities, project progress, funding status, and payment tracking.
• Coordinate with Legal, Human Resources, and Finance teams to ensure compliance, accurate reporting, and effective project administration.
• Maintain project documentation and support audits, funding claims, and reporting requirements.
• Continuously improve processes and tools related to funded project and incentive management.

PROFILE

Required Competencies:

• Good written and oral communication skills in English and Portuguese
• Attention to detail
• Organisational skills
• Adaptability
• Team work and positive attitude

Additional optional skills (nice to have):

• German and/ or Italian language (nice to have);