Scope & impact
the r&d manager, product development (dairy & plant-based category) is responsible for managing projects within the dairy & pbb category, including innovation, regulatory, and superior product experience (quality improvement) programs. This role also supports productivity and business continuity programs. It combines the responsibilities of the gdi category leader, product development, and innovation & experimentation (commercialization).
the role requires delivering technically robust projects and managing their commercialization timelines.
focus areas
the key focus areas include:
* gdi project execution & management
* project commercialization
ensuring technical diligence and robustness in each project.
key success parameters
work focus
gdi project execution & management, including commercialization:
lead the commercialization process for new product launches and reformulations, collaborating across functions to ensure compliance with ko standards, policies, and local regulations. Manage project timelines and coordinate interactions among r&d, cps, g2g, marketing, finance, technical teams, and bottling partners to ensure effective processes and adherence to standards and timelines.
design product development approaches, elaborate project plans, and execute projects with high autonomy, from initial concepts to pilot and industrial scaling. Provide validated product solutions with informed risk assessments and cost analyses.
develop specifications for ingredients, formulas, processing, manufacturing instructions, and shelf-life recommendations.
lead cross-functional project meetings and participate in team projects, committees, and company initiatives related to product development, process modifications, packaging, and marketing.
prepare detailed reports for analyses, experiments, and projects, organizing information efficiently to support senior management decisions.
coordinate with global r&d teams to align on project priorities, scope, and resources supporting latin america plans.
people leadership:
this role is an individual contributor, fostering collaboration among peers, influencing junior developers, and serving as a role model within the function.
communication focus
effective, timely, and proper communication is vital, involving internal r&d networks, the ou’s extended category team, global communities, and external suppliers, partners, and associations. A strong understanding of technical communication is essential.
experience
3-5 years of relevant experience in research & development and/or commercialization roles, with expertise in end-to-end technical scopes for innovation projects. Knowledge of related functions such as supply chain and quality is preferred.
mastery of (required)
* technical knowledge and experience in the food/beverage industry
* project management skills
* knowledge of supply chain and quality processes
* product development process expertise
broad expertise in (good-to-have)
* business case creation and analysis
* financial assessment of projects
* food safety, quality, consumer science, and marketing knowledge
* ability to identify and incorporate emerging trends in dairy and plant-based sectors
* experience working in multicultural, global environments
* familiarity with digital tools like plm systems and simulation software
skills include product development, leadership, chemistry, continual improvement, environmental science, sensory processing, research, microbiology, waterfall model, food sciences, food technology, communication, laboratory testing, data compilation, quality control, food safety management, and green solutions.
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