R&D Scientist / Manager

Job description / Role

Our client is a well-known and respected FMCG specialist, and they are seeking an R & D Scientist to manage the product & packaging technology for the category assigned segment for the company

The position will be the direct resource, including support or lead for product & packaging activities. It is the responsibility of the jobholder to ensure product & packaging of existing & development meets consumer, customer & business relevance for the category.

Key Accountabilities:

Technology Research & Management:
• Horizon scan on future product & pack technology (inclusive of materials and equipments) opportunities with internal and external research partners and institutions to shape and set strategies or programs
• Keep up to date with pace of change in the external world in areas of interest and adapt new developments into projects and programs
• Build & maintain internal and external networks such as regional & global product & packaging suppliers to maximize their potential and to identify & influence external regulations, standards, processes and open innovation

Training & Capability Building:
• Deliver product & packaging training curriculum to drive awareness of packaging cross-functionally and in conjunction with production technical training
• Provide technical coaching and consulting to support product & packaging innovation team & other key stakeholders to develop & deliver most feasible technical solution

Continuous Improvements:
• Monitor and review performance of critical processes and systems for compliance & continuous improvements
• Implement & drive factory efficiency and COGS via agreed continuous improvement product & packaging projects via define tools and metrics

Project Management:
• Key member of activity/change management process representing technical workstreams including COGs and factory line extensions
• Create & develop business recommendation & project scoping with key stakeholders

• Product & Packaging Specifications & Quality Systems:
• Accountable for robust product & packaging specifications & continuous improvement to comply with regulatory & industry standards
• Define & set quality standards of product & packaging while adhering to the Material Quality Management (MQM) process

Supplier Development, Procurement & Supply Chain support:
• Deployment of product & packaging strategy by co-leading with the strategic material buyers
• Development of technical audit manuals to assist identification, scoping & development of alternative suppliers/materials along with procurement.
• Key member of execution team for new factory lines to deliver agreed projects with maximum effectiveness following a robust qualification, FAT & Hand over procedures.

Requirements

The successful candidate will be educated to Degree level (BSc minimum, MSc an asset) in Product & Packaging or related Sciences, must have strong & in depth technical knowledge of product & packaging development & material science for a diverse range of materials including Jute, Soft plastic, Rigid Plastics, Paperboard and Corrugated Cardboard, have working knowledge of food safety and hygiene programs, packaging conversion and legislation and raw materials, knowledge of both 2D and 3D software’s such as AUTOCAD, Inventor, Illustrator & Photoshop will be an asset and LEAN and Six Sigma certified is an asset.

Candidate Experience Requirements:
• 10+ years in Product & Packaging Development ideally from FMCG Foods industry
• Rice category experience is a strong preference

About the Company

GG Selection is a search partner with an international presence, clients in diverse industries, and a network of talent for all levels of seniority and experience. We’re not limited by industry or geography, and we treat every brief and every client like the individual case it is — never making assumptions or taking anything for granted, and always tailoring our service to the needs we discover.