Scientist I Prod Devel

EXTERNAL JOB POSTING
Primary Responsibility

With management guidance, completes difficult technical assignments which require a knowledge of, and experience in, the discipline. Applies initiative and creativity in assignments. May provide technical direction to, or may supervise, lower-level team members. Progressively establishes own work schedule and research plans under general supervision. Will recommend changes in practices and procedures. May be called upon to provide technical expertise to other staff members and may have frequent customer contact. interacts with key customers and cross-functional teams to plan and execute product and process development projects from concept to commercialization in accordance with customer and business requirements. Projects may include but are not limited to customer product/process development, McCormick branded product/process development and Comprehensive Continuous Improvement (CCI) projects.

The Product Development Scientist I is responsible for ensuring that projects related to Retort Product Development are completed within assigned priorities and is expected to identify and manage technical risk. The person will have independence in the relevant scientific and technical approaches used. He/she may also be asked to provide technical direction and informal leadership and supervision of Product Development Scientist I, interns, and technicians to achieve project objectives. The Product Development Scientist I is expected to be an active team member that shares knowledge with and coaches other R&D team members. The person will follow and obey the requirements specified by the company, with awareness and emphasis on quality and safety of products together with report irregularities that may affect food quality and safety.

Key Roles & Responsibility

Works effectively with relevant intra-team (Culinary, Sensory, Packaging) and cross functional team members including Sales, Marketing, Procurement, QA, Regulatory, Finance and Operations to develop and/or duplicate products from concept to commercialisation, as per assigned project brief and ensures that these products are suitable for manufacture and are stable throughout shelf life. Must have a deep understanding of interactions between ingredients, recipes and processes. Is expected to interact with suppliers/vendors and to liaise with cross functional partners in vendor approval programs and material selection, review and approval.
Has the ability to leverage global expertise when required. Provides technical and troubleshooting support to both internal and external stakeholders as required. Actively participates in NPD meetings and works with their line manager and commercial leads to deliver projects within agreed timeframes. Able to understand and execute R&D related software (SAP, SAPRD etc) and systems (GATE, INTELEX etc). Accountable for making day to day key technical decisions where required.
Identifies and executes CCI and process improvements across the function utilising resources within the team and potentially cross functionally
Highly proficient at preparing tentative and final product specifications for finished products for the approval of the Product Development Manager and Quality Assurance Manager. This includes ingredient statements, nutritional composition and labeling requirements where appropriate
Interacts with suppliers, Universities, and other sources to keep abreast of new products/Flavours and technologies. Applies learnings and advises key internal stakeholders and external customers of new technologies and presents best in class concepts for customer and consumer innovation. Has regular engagement with external customers and internal stakeholders based on project requirements and develops a deep and intimate understanding of customer strategies & priorities as well as internal business strategies and priorities. Understands and stays abreast of market and consumer insights and applies the insights to product development projects to ensure products meet consumer expectations
Supervises manufacturing/scale up trials or first time production runs during new product commercialisation. Leads the transition to business as usual, engaging key stakeholders along the way
Liaises with cross functional teams in the development of vendor approval programs, material alternatives and Comprehensive Continuous Improvement.

Education & Expereince

BSc Food Science/Food Technology/ Process Engineering. Thermal Process and Retort Certification such as an Approved Thermal Process Authority would be advantageous.
5+ years of relevant product development experience in the food industry. Ready to Eat Meals, Sauces, Pastes, Condiments, Coatings or Seasonings experience preferred.

Job Dimension

Position plays a key role in executing the Flavour Solutions and Consumer annual business growth strategy, income and profit targets.
The position is expected to have frequent customer contact. To deliver profe