Product Development Specialist

About 2 months ago, from Jacobs Douwe Egberts

It’s amazing what can happen over a cup of coffee. At JACOBS DOUWE EGBERTS (JDE), we’ve made it our mission to find out. Our people have been raising the bar since day one, thinking fast and acting even faster to make an impact that’s felt around the world. JDE is the home to some of the most well-known coffee brands in the world.

For more than 265 years, we have been inspired by the belief that today our coffee & tea portfolio is available in over 140 countries through iconic household names including: Jacobs, Tassimo, Moccona, Senseo, L’OR, Douwe Egberts, Super, Kenco, Pilao & Gevalia.

Job Description

R&D Development Specialist leads projects up to process build/implementation and is an important knowledge holder in their field. The specialist is consulted by other R&D members for NPD projects and by other JDE employees in case of operational issues. Product specialists are responsible for the development and exploitation of JDE's proprietary knowledge and may require building a network with external experts and suppliers.

The specialist combines project management skills with an understanding of his/her field of expertise. The specialist integrates technological knowledge and business relevance, balancing new technological opportunities with operational consequences to ensure the creation of viable new opportunities for JDE.

Specialists have a hands-on approach, executing pilot plant, plant trial, and tasting work for their own projects or to support others, as well as providing thought leadership and applying their academic knowledge to JDE.

Specialist roles sit within all categories and functions within R&D: e.g. Category Product/Process and Packaging, Application Centres, Science & Technology, Quality and Food Safety, SARA, Consumer Inspired Innovation.

Responsibilities/ Key Activities:

• Leads max 1 C/D innovation project, and/or supports other innovation/Productivity/Process Development/Packaging/Sustainability/Compliance projects.
• Executes and/or supports R&D projects with the aim to deliver new knowledge, skills, and production capabilities essential for NPD/Productivity/Process Development/Packaging/Sustainability/Compliance aligned with the line manager.
• Tasks include (but are not limited to): defining and leading pilot/plant trials, collecting experimental data, writing technical reports and SOPs, developing prototypes, completing sensory, chemical, physical, and analytical assessments of the product, issuing technical drawings, material selection, defining packaging functional specifications & finished goods specifications including pallet configuration & container loading configurations, carrying out artwork and labelling vetting process, and completing specification from write, review to approval end-to-end quality excellence assurance.
• Contributes to the global network: Internal reports, K-briefs, Books of Knowledge, IDF, competitor surveillance.
• Reporting & presentation of findings within R&D and project teams.
• May operate or maintain simple pilot plant equipment according to SOP and assist in the training of others in said equipment.
• Responsible for the delivery of JDE Commitment within the region.

Qualifications

Education: Degree/Higher degree/Trade qualified in Chemical Engineering/Food Science and Nutrition or related fields.

Experience:

• At least 2 years of experience in a relevant field.
• Good verbal, writing, and communication skills in English.
• Able to taste and describe food/drink.
• Experience in FMCG is a plus.

Additional Information

• Passionate, energetic & innovative work culture.
• Exciting allowances to perk up your day.
• Sports perks to keep you energized.
• The best coffee and tea served all day in our office – or be your own Barista!