Food Scientist and New Product Development Manager

SUMMARY:
Job Opportunity: Food Scientist & New Product Development Manager
 
Our Client, a leader in the production of ready-to-heat meals, marinades, sauces (both hot and cold fill), ambient dairy and protein-based drinks, and baby and toddler pouch meals, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Food Scientist and New Product Development Manager. Their advanced heat treatment technology and retorting capabilities set them apart in extending product shelf life, and they are looking for someone who can help drive innovation and excellence in their product offerings.

POSITION INFO:
Why Join This Company?

Our client prides themselves on their commitment to quality, innovation, and excellence. As a key player in their team, you'll have the opportunity to lead the development of cutting-edge products, from concept to launch, and play a vital role in shaping the future of the food industry.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership: Take ownership of Food Safety, Quality, Legality, and Product Development across various categories, ensuring all products meet our high standards.
Innovation & Development: Research and develop new products, focusing on ready-to-heat meals, long shelf-life categories, and sauces.
Ingredient & Packaging Sourcing Identify and source new ingredients and packaging solutions to enhance product quality and sustainability.
Sensory & Specification Analysis: Execute sensory analysis, and manage chemical and raw material specifications, ensuring products meet all necessary criteria.
Recipe & Process Formulation: Develop and refine recipes and processes, capturing all technical data (pH, viscosity, brix, yields) throughout development.
Cost & Specification Management: Manage preliminary development costs and compile final product specifications and technical documentation.
Quality Liaison: Work closely with the Quality department to monitor and report on New Product Development (NPD) progress.
Audit & Certification Coordination: Oversee lab accreditation, system implementation, and manage third-party and supplier audits.
Team Leadership: Manage and mentor NPD technologists, ensuring smooth factory handovers and successful product launches.
Project & Resource Management: Effectively manage development programs, service providers, and ensure all projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Qualifications & Experience:

Educational Background: BSc in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or equivalent.
Professional Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in a production facility, with a strong background in product development, management, and quality assurance.
Leadership Skills: Proven leadership abilities with previous team-leading experience being an advantage.
FSSC 22000 Expertise: Experience in FSSC 22000 management system implementation and leading audits.
Product Development: Extensive experience in developing products, particularly in the ready-to-heat meals and long shelf-life categories.
Communication Skills: Highly developed verbal and written communication skills.
Time & Financial Management: Strong organizational skills with a keen sense of time management and financial awareness.

Additional Information:

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 07H30 – 17H15. Please note, operational requirements like new product launches may require occasional work outside these hours.

* Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted*