We have an exciting role for a Product Development Technologist to join our R&D Team in High Wycombe. The position sits within our elevated indulgence team which includes projects on the McVitie’s brand (Club, Gold, Signature). The Product Development Technologist role is both proactive, taking opportunities to develop concepts to fit with brand strategies and reactive to technical briefs from the marketing teams.
What will be your key deliverables?
* Manage and be responsible for all technical aspects of a small design project (typically a flavour variant).
* Develop product options to meet a marketing brief (meeting time, prime cost and quality critera)
* Plan, execute and review product development trials. These can be at any scale, from bench work to full scale factory trials.
* Present samples to marketing and translate feedback into recipe and/or process developments
* Producing draft product costs for comparative purposes
* Estimate costs of development work and track product development trials budgets against target, reviewing with line manager as appropriate.
* Support project manager and/or PDM in effective scheduling of project tasks and identification of resource requirements (time, money, people)
* Raise any technical or project related issues that might affect quality, cost or time of delivery with PDM
* Keep comprehensive records of all work carried out and report results as appropriate, following the standards and procedures of the design team.
* Brief and liaise with suppliers in line with SMT = R&D/Procurement strategies
* Complete and review Technical checklists and follow trial protocol within the npd process and plan appropriate interactions with key functions and stakeholders
* Complete product and ingredient specifications as appropriate
* Contribute to idea generation sessions and proactively generate branded product concepts in line with innovation strategies
* Work with colleagues to ensure that product development facilities are maintained to a safe and hygienic standard and operate using lean principles.
* Ensure that personal development plans are created, kept current and actioned as appropriate
Bring your experience.
* Proven experience of key manufacturing processes (snack, cake or biscuit), including process constraints is needed, as is a current validated understanding of ingredients, creative recipe development and bench scale techniques
* Courage to challenge and confident to prioritise, and know when to ask for help in a timely manner
* Creative approaches to problem solving
* Driven with outstanding decision-making skills
* Basic understanding of health & safety requirements
* Strong understanding of food legislation
* Strong influencing and communication skills in English
* Knowledge of regional pladis brands, business, key competitors and key markets
* Project management experience, including a good understanding of the roles and responsibilities of project team members
* Understanding brand essence and key performance indicators
What does pladis offer you?
* Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – this is the business’s annual bonus scheme.
* Opportunity to self-enrol into Health Cash Plan
* Life Assurance Cover ~ upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme
* 25 days + bank holidays
* 1 Volunteering Day per year
* Cycle to work scheme
* Access to great training and development opportunities
pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every great recipe we’re a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work that’s as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world. Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive.
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