JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB PURPOSE
(Summarize the main objective of the job in no more than one or two sentences).
· To manage the technical components of Snacks Brands, both existing & potential in line with R&D agenda & to have the knowledge & skill set to effectively link brand relevant needs with applicable technical leads.
POSITION IN ORGANIZATION
(Detail job in relation to immediate supervisor, peers & subordinates, indicating grade levels)
The role is of L6-L8, reports direct to R&D Manager
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
(Provide 4 – 8 examples of key accountabilities in rank order)
· Leading product development & innovation programmes.
· Draw up concise development briefs, focused on AOP/Strat Plan objectives with clear success measures. All agreed with key interfaces in the Business Team. Management of these agreed briefs from initial concept to manufacturing reality.
· Analysis and understanding of the key consumer research which sets the product development agenda.
· Management of recipe and process development to the most cost effective level while delivering Gold Standard products to the marketplace.
· Leading technical change initiatives within the areas of Product Innovation.
· Developing and executing projects utilizing solid technical project management tools and skills to ensure objectives are accomplished on time, to the agreed standards and within budget.
· Developing project briefs/plans ensuring they are aligned with all relevant functions (especially Marketing and Operations).
· Working at the heart of cross functional team to ensure alignment & smooth running of projects.
· Proactively challenging the suitability and performance of product designs in order to maintain a competitive advantage in terms of product acceptance, unique product design, cost of goods etc.
· Developing an understanding and demonstrating application of consumer product testing,
· sensory, analytical, etc to deliver superior products to the market and capture product intelligence.
· Leveraging expertise inside and outside the organization to deliver product and process development.
· Application of R&D tools (e.g. product testing, experimental design etc.)
· To maintain contact with sister companies, other divisions, research organization and consultancies in order to keep abreast of technological developments in area of responsibility.
· Understanding & interpreting brand quality standards.
· To coach, motivate and develop subordinates
JOB DIMENSIONS
(Detail financial and non-financial statistics relevant to job, ie., budgets and direct/indirect staff supervised)
The R&D function operates as a key support function within a fast paced and continually evolving business environment.
The role allows opportunity to participate in decision-making involving substantial capital.
Working within cross-functional project teams (e.g. alongside Marketing, Operations, Change Management etc), project team members can typically range from Level 4 to Level 11 and will have regular exposure to Band 2+ directors, hence considerable interaction will be required at a senior level (especially within Marketing and Operations).
DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY
(Give examples of decisions made with/without reference to Manager, explain frequency of contact with Manager)
There will be regular contact with R&D manager and BU R&D Director. However, the role requires a high degree of individual decision making within project development and execution:
· Ownership of project plan (timing, quality, cost)
· Content of product specifications (acting guardian).
· Ensuring regulatory compliance.
· Selection and application of R&D tools (e.g. product testing, experimental design etc.)
· Development and Presentation of strategic proposals to senior management.
· Management of project budget.
EXPERIENCE / COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
(Detail knowledge, skills and experience required)
· First Degree or equivalent in a Science or Engineering related discipline.
· Minimum of 5 years previous project management experience, covering product & process development ideally within FMCG environment.
· 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 organization.
· 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 different cultures.
· Self-starter, self-motivating - able to scope and plan projects with high level of uncertainty and complexity.
· Willingness to learn new skills and develop personally, including taking on man-management and people development responsibilities.
ENVIRONMENT
(I.e. Interfaces - describe the most frequent internal/external contacts)
Internal
· Marketing (new / improved product projects, competitive performance)
· Operations (new products / processes, quality systems, compliance)
· Supply Chain (raw materials sourcing / specifications, equipment sourcing)
· Finance (product costing / contribution margin analysis)
· Sales (systems to deliver in market quality, complaints, in market tools)
External
· Seasoning suppliers (new / upgrade seasoning projects, price, specifications, quality, trials)
· Other material suppliers, such as cornmeal, corrugate, oil etc (new materials, specifications, quality, trials)
· Consumer test agencies (scheduling, design, budgeting, execution, reporting)
· Equipment suppliers (specifications, timings, costs, trials)
Counterparts in Region/Global R&D Organizations.
Send your CV on fatima@pri.com.pk with subject line mentioned latest by 1st sep 2010