What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of Product Development & Innovation position at Treatt?
At Treatt we’ve been making the world taste better since 1886 and sell over 3000 products in more than 90 countries, but we’re only just getting started. We’re on an exciting journey and have ambitious plans to become the indispensable partner of choice for the world’s leading flavor and fragrance houses, beverage and consumer brands.
JOB DESCRIPTION :
The Head of Product Development and Innovation will lead the Product Development team while partnering with Commercial leadership to create product strategies and development tactics to successfully deliver growth targets and category expansion while meeting the business and organizational objectives. Ensure that a commercially relevant portfolio of ingredients and business solutions are developed and commercialized to support customer requests and with the goals of Treatt and its stakeholders. Lead the team and help build knowledge depth and skills to create an industry center of excellence. Drive people development and appropriate training to facilitate proper people and performance management. Build key relationships with customers, employees, business partner and stakeholders.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES :
Identify, develop and execute high-impact innovation strategy and roadmap aligned to the business goals and growth priorities.
Ensure strategy alignment in assignment of objectives and team responsibilities.
Deep understanding of significant aspects of food ingredient and solution development
Management of direct reports including identifying and meeting training needs and conducting regular one to one development reviews
Oversee all customer briefs to ensure that briefs are feasible and completed in line with customer expectations
Work with Marketing, Category Managers and Sales to ensure that the right products are selected for promotion adopting a “Right Product, Right Customer, Right Time” approach.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives
Support Manufacturing / Operation / Engineering as RD technical advisor
Review and Authorize Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments
Responsible that the working area in the Innovation laboratory is maintained in a clean and orderly condition and that any hazard or potential hazard is reported, and audit customer visit ready at all time
Responsible for maintenance of a range of Innovation laboratory and pilot-plant equipment (introducing new innovations where necessary), during product development
Oversee team’s responsibilities to include :
Identification of relevant raw materials for the development of products, partnering with the Procurement team to meet requirements
Work with the Category Management team in the planning of innovation and customer priorities
Manage category demands, providing consistent communication of category innovation efforts and commercial implications of development work
Participate in / oversee planning, monitoring and documentation of plant trials leading to successful commercialization of new products
Support the Production Supervisor to determine, define and improve production efficiencies of new and existing products
Participate in sensory evaluation of matching projects, new products, reformulations, ingredient substitutions, and competitive products.
Maintain accurate records of lab work, and documentation of used ingredients, formulation modifications and provide statistical evaluations and reports
Ensure project owners technical reports and ensure proper, streamlined documentation of all work generated
Develop product and raw material specifications suitable for QC, QA and Regulatory team
Coordinate with Quality Assurance in scheduling the use of laboratory facilities and equipment to ensure the appropriate levels of QA testing are performed.
Keep up to date with current worldwide product innovation efforts and transfer new knowledge to Treatt product lines
Continually explore and identify ways to tailor Treatt product lines to appeal to new markets… and Products?
Cultivate sales opportunities with current customers and other industry contacts by building strong partnering relationships with key technical personnel in these organizations
Participate in product demonstrations as needed
Work with customers as needed on new product developments and reformulations
Present to customers, showcasing product expertise
All team members to support QC sensory panels
EDUCATION & TRAINING :
10 years of relevant Flavors and Ingredients industry experience within innovation, technology and / or solution development. 5 years innovation leadership experience
MS. / MBA / P.H.D or equivalent operational experience. In-depth sensory knowledge a plus.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS :
A proven independent worker with strong creativity and problem-solving skills
An in-depth understanding of fundamental chemistry / food science / scientific principles
Demonstrate knowledge of regulations, policies, procedures and processes in food science and product development
Influential in the category, with an ability to build relationships across the category and wider business.
Superior ability to research and analyze information and data to arrive at valid conclusions and plans of actions
Effective communication skills at all levels - both verbally and in writing
Experience in People Management
Ability to use various spreadsheets, word-processing and database computer software
Communication – The ability to give and gather information and to actively manage the communication process
Customer Focus (Internal and External) – Actively pursue the highest level of customer service
Integrity and Ethical Management – The ability to work ethically according to professional and company values
Resilience – The ability to be resilient and to achieve through repeated effort
Planning and Organizing – The ability to plan, organize and prioritize work. Balancing resources, skills, priorities, and timescales to achieve objectives
Motivation – The ability to support and encourage individuals and teams so that they give their best
Influencing – The ability to influence and persuade others
Time Management – The ability to make most effective use of one’s own time and that of others
Commercial, Technological and Financial Awareness – The ability to apply understanding of the company and industry to improve effectiveness and profitability
Delivering Results – The ability to manage workload and prioritize effectively to deliver results on time
Developing Self – The ability to focus on own development and to take action to learn
Adaptability / Change Management – The ability to respond and adapt to changing circumstances and to manage, solve problems and provide solutions in a climate of ambiguity
Health & Safety – The ability to apply knowledge, training, skills, and experience to ensure tasks are performed in a safe manner
Practical Skills – The ability to apply training and knowledge to complete activities where observation and recording results are essential
Problem Solving, Thinking and Communication Skills – ability to identify and define problems, generating alternative solutions, evaluating, and selecting the best alternative and implementing the selected solution
Personal Attitude and Professional Ethics – The ability follow personal and professional standards of behavior in line with company values
Dissemination Skills – The ability to pass on information, knowledge, and opinions to a wider audience
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