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

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.

• 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.