Product & Pack Technician

Overview

The product development technician role is an important role in the RDQ organisation requiring someone to work with cross functional teams to implement RDQ project launches. The person supports the wider implementation team – undertaking pre & post trial activities across both product & packaging – administrative & practical – as well as providing the required support during factory trials & 1st productions. Work streams will stretch across all aspects of the NPD process – innovation, renovations and maintenance activities eg cost savings – as business priorities demand. 

Responsibilities

Support the technical project management of complex NPD & EPD projects in accordance with the agreed procedures to ensure successful and timely delivery of the projects

• Support RDQ Implementation within cross-functional teams to deliver range extensions, renovations, innovations and cost savings across UK & EU projects.
• Provide willing support to ensure all product executions are right first time, profitable, competitive, legal & meet brand requirements.
• Ensure product approval process is completed (including actions identified) and responsibility transferred to SU & QA.
• Works with project team and builds strong relationships across multiple functions.

Good knowledge of ingredients, supply chains & manufacturing processes through close supplier & factory interaction

• Ensure all products/prototypes used for consumer research are safe and representative.
• Ensure all necessary trials, & associated tasks, are completed satisfactorily eg the planning of trials, ordering of new raw materials, transfer of ingredients / packaging across site ahead of trials, providing accurate documentation.
• Ensure the appropriate post-trial testing programs are well considered & implemented successfully to enable correct recommendations are made in execution of projects eg conducting storage testing & leading product tastings/reviews
• Generate accurate technical data and writing of product related specifications, considering & writing Safety by Design, whilst ensuring ingredient & products are harmonised / efficiently managed wherever possible.

Build & maintain strong relationships with colleagues in RDQ & other functions (MU’s, SU’s, TQS, Procurement & Category Marketing)

• Ensure smooth working across the project team with close interaction with Regional & Category RDQ teams as required.
• Share learnings with wider RDQ colleagues
• Take responsibility for self-development and exhibit Nomad cultural behaviours

Qualifications

We need someone who….

• is a willing & supportive team member who is able to work in a fast-paced, priority-changing, deadline driven environment across a wide product portfolio
• Is also a “self starter” and can work independently, with minimum supervision, once briefed
• is proactive, having good communication skills, being a strong team player & with the ability of supporting a number of projects in parallel
• is able to complete a range of administrative duties – is computer literate, with the ability to write basic specifications, document & interpret data, write trial briefs & submit post trial reports
• is able to collaboratively ‘share their voice’, having the confidence to work in cross functional teams, & being capable of working within a factory environment. Initially supporting, but with the expectation for the future leading of factory trials is very much a requirement for this role
• Has a proactive attitude & willingness to learn that supports the Nomad Foods Culture
• Relevant Science Degree – eg Food Science, or 2+ years proven experience working in an FMCG product development or food processing environment role.
• Alternatively an established familiarity of working on the LWT SU site
• English speaking incl technical language.
• Full UK driving licence (as some travel may be required)

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