R&D Product Development Associate Engineer / R&D Project Manager

Execute AOP, long term, complex Innovation and Renovation projects utilising solid technical project management tools and skills to ensure objectives are accomplished on time, to the agreed standards. Sole ownership and leadership of key strategic Big Rock initiatives. Provide technical risk assessment/perspectives related to new product development.

Lead planning and execution of pilot plant and plant scale production runs- collect necessary data to resolve product/process issues, determine and track next steps and establish final product/process parameters. Support idea generation and pipeline development. Understand Consumer Product Testing methods and work with Product Insight team to deliver superior products to market and capture product intelligence.

Apply all TSG (Technical Stage gate) and SAP requirements; prepare ingredient and product specifications, recipes, label information, and transfer into the available Documentation Systems to provide compliance to proven product design and legal requirements. Act as the guardian of the design for the our products and foods.

Collaboratre closely with other functions within and outside of R&D including commercial teams. Build relationships and network with Global R&D partners including attending Global Community of practices. Contribute to budget planning through project budget management. Provide R&D voice in cross-functional forums and work as an effective business partner in collaboration with R&D discipline partners.

Gain technical depth for PC&TC&Dips technology. Degree in Foods / Engineering / Science or related discipline. Min 3 years experience in FMCG Food Product or Process Development role or similar. Project management – Management of all aspects of productivity projects from inception through to launch. Understanding of and experience of working with experimental design.

Strong collaborator across multiple business functions including Operations, Marketing, GP, Food Safety, RA, QD and across Europe markets. Ability to communicate effectively to R&D Team, stakeholders and all other functions involved (Marketing, Operations, GP, FS, RA, QD). Creative thinking, be able to generate creative, workable ideas within the scope of projects.

Results driven, demonstrate an ability to persevere and provide timely and direct feedback to others. Ability to be able to work independently and to deal with change and increasing complexity. Ability to prioritise among the different and numerous projects managed. Thrive in a fast paced environment, managing multiple projects on compressed timelines.

A food science / manufacturing background to lead foods productivity projects. A demonstrated understanding and application of consumer product testing, sensory & analytical methods.

Overview

This role is based in the Potato Chips & Tortilla Chips & Dips Platforms Technology team, within Europe Foods. The purpose is to lead the execution of Innovation and Renovation projects across the sector across Potato Chips & Tortilla Chips & Dips Platforms. Role will be cross functional across R&D, Supply Chain and Commercial functions in all markets (UKI, NE, SWE, CE and TR clusters).

This scope covers end-to-end ownership from concept development to large-scale execution, managing trials, analytical evaluations, CQA readiness activities, and cross-functional alignment without the need for close supervision.

Responsibilities

Execute AOP, long term, complex Innovation and Renovation projects utilising solid technical project management tools and skills to ensure objectives are accomplished on time, to the agreed standards. Sole ownership and leadership of key strategic Big Rock initiatives. Provide technical risk assessment/perspectives related to new product development.

Lead planning and execution of pilot plant and plant scale production runs- collect necessary data to resolve product/process issues, determine and track next steps and establish final product/process parameters. Support idea generation and pipeline development. Understand Consumer Product Testing methods and work with Product Insight team to deliver superior products to market and capture product intelligence.

Apply all TSG (Technical Stage gate) and SAP requirements; prepare ingredient and product specifications, recipes, label information, and transfer into the available Documentation Systems to provide compliance to proven product design and legal requirements. Act as the guardian of the design for the our products and foods.

Collaboratre closely with other functions within and outside of R&D including commercial teams. Build relationships and network with Global R&D partners including attending Global Community of practices. Contribute to budget planning through project budget management. Provide R&D voice in cross-functional forums and work as an effective business partner in collaboration with R&D discipline partners.

Gain technical depth for PC&TC&Dips technology.

Qualifications

Degree in Foods / Engineering / Science or related discipline. Min 3 years experience in FMCG Food Product or Process Development role or similar. Project management – Management of all aspects of productivity projects from inception through to launch. Understanding of and experience of working with experimental design.

Strong collaborator across multiple business functions including Operations, Marketing, GP, Food Safety, RA, QD and across Europe markets. Ability to communicate effectively to R&D Team, stakeholders and all other functions involved (Marketing, Operations, GP, FS, RA, QD). Creative thinking, be able to generate creative, workable ideas within the scope of projects.

Results driven, demonstrate an ability to persevere and provide timely and direct feedback to others. Ability to be able to work independently and to deal with change and increasing complexity. Ability to prioritise among the different and numerous projects managed. Thrive in a fast paced environment, managing multiple projects on compressed timelines.

A food science / manufacturing background to lead foods productivity projects. A demonstrated understanding and application of consumer product testing, sensory & analytical methods.