Research Technologist (Dairy Drinks and deserts)
Background
Our Client's Chocolate Drinks and Treats is a rapidly growing business focussed on extending their brands into new categories though external partners (suppliers and distributors). The business currently operates in Milk Drinks, Hot Chocolate, Desserts and Ingredients and across UK and Continental Europe. The business has around 15 different co-manufacturers/key suppliers and around 6 distributors
Purpose of Role
R&D Operator for Dairy Drinks and Desserts
Key Result Areas
Recipe and Packaging Development
Pro-actively develop recipes, packaging and products to agreed briefs , leveraging supplier resources and expertise
Motivate and manage external suppliers/manufacturers to co-create products professionally and speedily
Ensure recipes/new packaging meets quality and cost targets.
Conduct robust sampling within team and use output to refine recipes/products.
Provide samples for customer /account feedback during development phase
Activity Management
Attend and contribute to the weekly activity meetings
Ensuring all actions for personal responsibilities are completed on time and information filed in the IDEA/DEVELOPMENT/IMPLEMENTATION process
Prepare product specs for Quality Manager
Provide recipe specs for factories
Provide required information to Ops Manager for line form
Fill in any customer forms required (e.g. McDonald's)
Ensure smooth hand over process is maintained between R&D NPD team and Quality
Prepare product specs for Quality Manager
Prepare product declaration and nutritional information for Marketing Ops to do artwork
Provide recipe specs for factories
Provide required information to Ops Manager for line form
Quality
Operate the QMP system for product responsibility area (DEVELOP), ensuring all records are kept up to date and filed properly
Ensure shelf for all new recipes is robust based on either prior expertise (us or suppliers) or shelf life tests
Operate product shelf life testing and maintain records to demonstrate reasons for shelf life decisions for .
Conduct travel tests on new packaging items before launch
Pro actively conduct field visits to assess new developments on the market and our product/pack performance in market. Record results and publish actions.
Complete FACTORY CHECK lists when visiting suppliers - feed into Quality Manager
Labelling
Prepare product declaration and nutritional information for Marketing Ops to do artwork
Diligently check artwork, sign them off and keep records
Involve (Expert) where appropriate (eg where ambiguity exists around legislation etc)
Factory Involvement, Pilot and Production Trials
Visit sites regularly to build strong relationship with supplier and continuously build understanding of how their factories work.
Set up and organise pilot and production trials with factories. Brief factory on trials, recipes, expected outputs, processing conditions and organise materials for trials.
Attend pilot and production trials as the client's expert and to enhance own learning and experience.
Research
Take full responsibility for preparing samples of products for consumer research and ensure these are with research agency /customer in correct quantity and on time.
Conduct local consumer research in town centres/universities/local companies. Record and report results. Use output as product development tool.
Kitchen Management
Maintain a store of raw materials for product development in area of responsibility. Ensure materials are always available, in-date and stored correctly.
Maintain the product sample store ensuring in date samples of current products are always available
Ensure standards of Health and Hygiene are adhered to at all times in the kitchen.
Finance
Raise Purchase Orders as required
Manage spend versus budget
Contribution to the Team
Actively build the team culture by personally role-modelling the expected actions, behaviours and attitudes
Continue to raise personal standards/skills to support the needs of a fast growing business
Operate as the DAIRY champion in our business
Actively support the responsibilities of other team members to delivery their objectives
Attend and contribute to the monthly 30 day plan - target 80% personal delivery of actions
Attend and contribute to the weekly activity meetings
Attend and participate in Impact meetings (4 x pa)
Person Spec
EXPERIENCE
Minimum 3 years' experience in R&D
Experience in the dairy industry preferable
SKILLS/ATTITUDES
Entrepreneurial self-starter/initiative
Happy to get hands dirty and "do what it takes"
Tenacity to overcome hurdles
Drive for results - getting to market fast
Problem solving/ability to find root causes
Creativity to find new solutions
Attention to detail e.g. making sure all paper work is done properly and nothing is missed
Leadership skills to manage and get the most out of external partners and manage customers effectively
Ability to juggle and multitask
Good at requesting and taking feedback - not precious
Good team player
Strong communication
High organisation skills
TRAVEL
European VISA/passport -able to travel frequently across Europe
Uk driving licence
MAC Scientific is acting as an Employment Agency in respect of this position.