About The Role
As a Research and Development Industrialisation Manager you will ensure the link between R&D Test Kitchen and large‑scale bakery manufacture, product development project delivery and technical information for specification generation. You will have expert knowledge of the product development process, with a key focus on industrialisation, scale‑up and process in an operations setting.
You will be highly skilled and accountable for managing the process of organising and running trials, pre‑production runs and launches. You will manage the process to ensure ordering and ensuring materials are on site on time and ensuring all documentation is completed and communicated to key stakeholders. As this is a group role, you will need to be able to travel between sites and be present for key project milestones.
Interaction between functions and working in partnership with key stakeholders to understand current challenges and objectives will be vital to the success of this role, as will a good understanding of new product development and concept to launch.
Main Responsibilities
* Lead the project handover from test bakery to scale‑up to full‑production scale manufacture through a series of product & packaging trials.
* Lead the R&D Industrialisation in developing and implementing a robust, gold‑standard product trial and launch validation process which is standardised across the FBC UK network.
* Bring in best practice and ensure the team completes all documentation to a high standard required for the organisation of trials, pre‑production runs and launches.
* Accountable to ensure project critical paths are met to deliver project OTIF.
* Ownership of bakery activity plan, escalating pinch points and activity concerns.
* Build and maintain close working relationships at bakeries and manage up on issues or queries.
* Lead communication to bakeries leadership through pre‑trial meetings to ensure all stakeholders are informed and engaged in the trial and launch phase.
* Support R&D Industrialisation in representation at project reviews, advising on capability, resource and project critical paths.
* Accountable for the completion of documents for new products and processes for commercial scale‑up (raw materials, production line layout, finished product specifications).
* Support the team in ensuring all information and data is collected from trials to complete detailed documentation for launch handover specifications.
* Support the team in ensuring trial products are assessed against agreed QAS to ensure trials meet the brand standard and shelf life.
* Attend bakery production planning meetings to ensure project trial dates are agreed and locked down in advance with early visibility.
* Creatively problem‑solve to ensure products run with agreed throughputs, costing and quality.
* Lead material validation through process to support Procurement and Technical.
* Build a strong understanding of the FBC UK network of capability, striving to be an expert in the total capability of each bakery.
* Investigate and support any troubleshooting that is affecting wider capability.
* Support capacity‑assist projects and large capital projects.
Who We Are Looking For
* Experience/understanding with new product development and concept to launch.
* Excellent working knowledge of manufacturing capabilities, products, process flows and HACCP systems.
* Direct experience in working with all levels of company business partners, with influence and managing senior stakeholders.
* Experience of the Hamilton‑Grant database is desirable.
* Experience of allergen control is desirable.
* Knowledge of food legislation is desirable.
* High level of computer literacy – Microsoft Excel/Word and internet/SAP.
* Proven track record in maintaining good working relationships.
* Confident in communication at all levels to ensure R&D requirements are met and maintained.
* Must be extremely organised, with exceptional communication skills.
* Drive, energy and enthusiasm – a good self‑starter and a quick learner.
* Able to work on your own initiative and as part of a team.
* Methodical approach with good prioritisation skills, the ability to work to short deadlines and under pressure.
* Excellent attention to detail and high standards.
* Excellent time management.
* Passion for creativity and innovation in food/bakery and end‑launch phase.
* Excellent interpersonal skills.
* Strong analytical skills.
* Strong IT skills.
Diversity Statement
FBC UK is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all of our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at FBC UK. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative and highly rewarding.
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