R&D Associate Scientist

Overview **There is an internal slated candidate being considered for this position. However, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. The role will lead the technical aspects and implementation of medium to high complexity R&D enabled productivity and sustainability projects for the Grains Platform Responsibilities 1. Leverage expertise inside and outside of the organization to deliver product and process development and innovation. 2. Develop, plan, conduct, and coordinate product development initiatives to use experimental design and data interpretation tools to make technically sound recommendations to business. 3. Engage with Middle East Foods Business Unit Global Procurement & Supply Chain to support and manage technical aspects of productivity agendas of Grains Portfolio 4. Develop product against consumer and business KPIs by leveraging available resources including R&D Laboratory tools, bench top, factory equipment, pilot plants, supplier’s technical assets. 5. Coordinate samples requirements with manufacturing plants, global R&D function etc. for NPD, internal screening, bench taste, sensory test, consumer test, shelf life stability, sales samples, scale-up trials, and other needs. 6. Develop & review FC, business P&L and finalize product and ingredient specifications with PQP guardrails. 7.Develop an understanding and demonstrate the application of consumer product testing; sensory and analytical etc. to deliver superior products to the market and establish product intelligence. Actively participate in marketing research programs including focus groups and other consumer research formats. 8. Lead Technical Stage Gate and related work for his/her project and ensure timely completion of all TSG stages and its deliverables. 9.Develop project briefs/Global Innovation Briefs (GIB) and seek R&D and other cross functional alignment (especially Marketing and Supply Chain). 10.Lead exploration of new ingredients, formulation and process technologies and leverage expertise inside and outside the organization to deliver new product and process development. 11.Represent R&D on multi-functional business teams and Influence others through strong communication & interpersonal skills. 12.Develop project briefs/Global Innovation Briefs (GIB) and seek R&D and other cross functional alignment (especially Marketing and Supply Chain). 13.Lead exploration of new ingredients, formulation and process technologies and leverage expertise inside and outside the organization to deliver new product and process development. 14.To plan, organize and run raw material qualification programs. 15.Drive global knowledge growth and thought leadership in emerging process technologies and imbed cross functionally. 16.Drive CAST implementation through leadership of training programs. 17.Work closely with Regulatory to ensure legal compliance Qualifications - Graduation degree in Food Science /Engineering (Chemical/industrial) / Food & Nutrition/Pharma - Must have FMCG experience of >3 years. -Food Science or Engineering related discipline. -Good understanding / appreciation of the broader business environment and application of technical and commercial knowledge during project execution. -Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate and negotiate effectively across all levels and all functions of the organisation. -Good presentation skills (written & verbal). -Strong analytical skills – ability to interpret complex data and distil into useful and actionable information. -Ability to explain complex technical issues / solutions to a non-technical audience. -Strives for high standards, seeks innovative solutions, drives continuous improvement of products, processes or methods and demonstrates a high degree of intellectual curiosity. -Passion for creativity and innovation within a commercially driven environment. -Cultural sensitivity / flexibility in responding to diverse teams and environments. -Self-starter and motivator.