Product Developer

This role is in the Regional Quaker R&D based in Beaumont Park Leicester. Purpose is to lead G2+ execution workstreams for AOP plans across Quaker Europe, main focus being on UK. As well as supporting post G2 projects with the platform leads. Scope includes planning and executing activities e.g. Product development, product trials, sample analysis and project management in collaboration with TDC, Consumer Experience and marketing, reporting results to internal and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities:

• Managing Quaker projects post-gate 2, working cross functionally ensuring on time delivery of UK AOP plans.


• Develop and execute projects using solid technical project management tools to ensure objectives are accomplished on time, to the agreed standards and within budget.


• Support Scoping, align & deliver product development of assigned innovation and renovation projects using solid technical project management tools through individual contribution & delivery through others.


• Collaborate with cross functional partners to ensure successful project and technical agenda delivery.


• Develop winning products for the market, working with suppliers and internal stakeholders to deliver against the innovation brief


• Validate compliance of products with regulatory & food safety requirements needed for sensory/consumer testing and line of sight to scale-up and Execution actions.


• Contribute to or lead where appropriate workstreams to improve ways of working across the team e.g. improvement of business processes to drive greater efficiencies, sharing of knowledge to create better team cohesion & developing others through coaching & embedding best practise


• Provide R&D voice in cross-functional forums and work as an effective business partner in collaboration with R&D discipline partners, Execution - Results- Focuses on critical issues & obstacles & works to resolve them considering both short- and long-term implications


• Growth Talent development People Leader - Trusts in individuals to deliver objectives and day-to-day job accountabilities. Fosters a positive, inclusive work environment where people feel respected and valued for their contributions


• Forward thinking - Implements new practices and ideas that will have a positive impact on the business


• Relationships-Network - Develops effective and rewarding working relationships with people across different cultures and/or business categories


• Thinking- External perspectives - ensure a good understanding of the consumers for the platforms and also capabilities of external partners that can support their agendas e.g. raw material suppliers


• Agility change management to support business priorities appropriately and to support PD's through any changes to ensure continued delivery of the business agenda.
  
  Education level: Degree or equivalent in a Food Science or Chemistry-related discipline and experience working in a product development is crucial.


• Initiative-taker with strong self-motivation to drive for results in an innovative and scientifically robust manner - able to deal with ambiguity and complexity.


• Excellent written, verbal presentation & interpersonal skills to communicate and negotiate effectively across all functions of the organisation.


• Strong analytical skills - ability to interpret complex data and recommend useful, actionable information.


• Able to explain complex technical issues/solutions to a non-technical audience.


• Demonstrate strong intellectual curiosity, seeks innovative solutions & drive continuous improvement of products, processes and/or methods.


• Passion for creativity, innovation in developing commercially relevant technology.


• Safeguard the Company's formulations, processes and reputation in all matters.


• Full UK Driving licence and able to travel internationally as required.


Critical Competencies:

• Good presentation and communication skills (written and verbal)


• Active problem solving skills


• Great collaborator


• Passion for innovation and product development


• Collaboration with key external interfaces which may include strategic equipment & ingredient vendors, co-manufacturers