This position is responsible for project execution, from pilot prototype development with suppliers, to industrial trials and factory implementation. The conduction of laboratory tests for shelf-life monitoring, performing of sensory evaluation, along with compilation and maintenance of product documentation for new launches and existing products.
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Industrial trial management:
o Planning trial schedules with planning and industrial teams.
o Procure new raw materials for trials.
o Trial preparation with production, warehouse, quality teams, including trial recipe input into SAP.
o Trial execution from mixing to packing.
o Prepare and complete reports pertaining to all trials (pilot, industrial, sensory & shelf-life) as per the project management process.
Product validation:
o Shelf life follow up, including laboratory analysis and sensory analysis using internal tools, with trained and untrained tasters.
o Facilitating logistics of samples for sensory consumer research with external agencies.
o Evaluation of process performance linked to new formulations, together with the Industrial team.
Types of product development:
o New product and or flavour development.
o Nroductivity recipe development.
o Business continuity solutions implementation.
Formulation design:
o New raw material sourcing.
o Raw material document sourcing, evaluation and assessment for trial and recipe feasibility, including food safety risk analysis linked to the material.
o Validation of claims through testing, maintenance of claims support documentation.
o Submission to religious bodies for certification of new or changed product formulations.
o Measure processing parameters and compile processing documents for products, to uphold required quality standards.
o Understand regulatory/statutory requirements impacting recipe design.
o Understand recipe costing.
Project management
o Identify and manage risks (MOC) associated with projects.
o Conduct Quality and Food Safety Risk Assessments.
o Execute development activities according to planned timelines.
New product Implementation:
o Log workflows for system Bill of Material changes on SAP related to formulations.
o Train the Industrial and Quality team on all new products at handover stage.
o Compilation and circulation of Management of Change documents.
o Validate product and process performance post launch.
o Develop and sign off, in collaboration with Quality, all Raw Material specifications and Food Safety documents.
o Development and updating of Final Product Specifications.
o PWrovide input into the HCP review with Quality Assurance.
R&I CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TECHNICAL SUPPORT
o Launch follow-up support 3 months after first production.
o Attend and participate in all relevant factory meetings and action plans relevant to R&I.
o Assist with trouble shooting by conducting investigations to understand problems’ root causes.
o Document all learnings to input into project closure and to share with other technical experts in the business.
GENERAL
o Maintain raw material specs, including raw material status tracker.
o Maintain Final Product specs, including final product specifications tracker.
o Maintain Trial tracker.
o Participation in quality Audits and Store Checks2.
o Basic understanding of the business profit and loss statement.
o Basic understanding of processing requirements and functionality of ingredients.
o Build good relationships with major suppliers and remain up to date with new developments, innovation, and technology.
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
o Diploma in Food Technology, BSc Degree in Food Science.
WORK EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
o 1-2 years' experience in a complex process plant preferably in food manufacturing with SCADA/PLC control systems.
o Experience in new product design, development, and industrial implementation (scale up), preferably in dairy industry.
o Experience in working with cross functional teams, including production, quality, and planning.
o Basic understanding of relevant regulations and legislation.
o Excellent computer skills (MS Office), numeracy and analytical skills.
o Sensory Analysis understanding.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS
o Excellent attention to detail and organization skills.
o Excellent interpersonal skills.
o Good time management skills.
o Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
o Action-orientated with a drive for results.
o Passion for excellence in execution.
o Team player able to work in close collaboration with others.
o Good verbal and written communications skills.
o Innovative thinking, curiosity, and creativity.
o Ability to manage multiple projects.
For more information about Danone, our culture, please explore careers.danone.com.
We offer:
A job which could easily turn in to a career in Danone. We believe everyone is born with superpowers, something which comes natural to you. We know this uniqueness is something which brings both excellence as well as energy, so we believe in all Danoner’s potential and when we build careers based on these superpowers and when we develop everyone’s potential to the fullest magic happens. This is how we like to see Talent Management in Danone.
This is a highly visible position within Danone; you will interact with Internal - Marketing, Sales Supply chain, SSD and External - Suppliers, CO-packers. Challenge, innovate, convince and find alignment when needed. This role has no direct reports.