Why Join This Company? Our client prides themselves on their commitment to quality, innovation, and excellence. As a key player in their team, you'll have the opportunity to lead the development of cutting-edge products, from concept to launch, and play a vital role in shaping the future of the food industry. Key Responsibilities: Technical Leadership: Take ownership of Food Safety, Quality, Legality, and Product Development across various categories, ensuring all products meet our high standards.Innovation & Development: Research and develop new products, focusing on ready-to-heat meals, long shelf-life categories, and sauces.Ingredient & Packaging Sourcing Identify and source new ingredients and packaging solutions to enhance product quality and sustainability.Sensory & Specification Analysis: Execute sensory analysis, and manage chemical and raw material specifications, ensuring products meet all necessary criteria.Recipe & Process Formulation: Develop and refine recipes and processes, capturing all technical data (pH, viscosity, brix, yields) throughout development.Cost & Specification Management: Manage preliminary development costs and compile final product specifications and technical documentation.Quality Liaison: Work closely with the Quality department to monitor and report on New Product Development (NPD) progress.Audit & Certification Coordination: Oversee lab accreditation, system implementation, and manage third-party and supplier audits.Team Leadership: Manage and mentor NPD technologists, ensuring smooth factory handovers and successful product launches.Project & Resource Management: Effectively manage development programs, service providers, and ensure all projects are delivered on time and within budget. Qualifications & Experience: Educational Background: BSc in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or equivalent.Professional Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in a production facility, with a strong background in product development, management, and quality assurance.Leadership Skills: Proven leadership abilities with previous team-leading experience being an advantage.FSSC 22000 Expertise: Experience in FSSC 22000 management system implementation and leading audits.Product Development: Extensive experience in developing products, particularly in the ready-to-heat meals and long shelf-life categories.Communication Skills: Highly developed verbal and written communication skills.Time & Financial Management: Strong organizational skills with a keen sense of time management and financial awareness. Additional Information: Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 07H30 17H15. Please note, operational requirements like new product launches may require occasional work outside these hours.* Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted*
