Manager - R&D (Pilot Plant & Copacking)

Talent Acquisition Specialist KSA & Foods Onboarding Workforce Planning

JOB PURPOSE:

This position provides Pilot Plant and Lab Application support to R&D and manufacturing team requests/projects and to Product Development projects within the Innovation centre in Haradh Project City. It is focussed on the Dairy, Cheese and Beverages Category.

Incumbent will perform application work in lab/pilot plants on development projects requests and manage the technical knowhow transfer from Pilot to Industrial scale. Also, incumbent will lead the losses improvement and challenges discussion with manufacturing and engineering teams.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Strategic Contribution

• Execute the annual business plan and targets and comply with the strategic agenda of the R&D department to deliver NADEC vision and mission.
• Translate the strategy into operational business plans for the R&D department and lead the performance and execution of those plans to achieve functional objectives and deliver the Company's strategy

Budgeting

• Participate in the preparation of the functional budget and assess financial performance versus the budget so that the business is aware of anticipated costs/revenues, areas of unsatisfactory performance are identified, and potential performance improvement opportunities are capitalized.

• Ensure all the Health and Safety rules are applied within the Pilot Plant for both equipment and people attending trials including discipline of safety PPE to be used within pilot plant.
• Manage all the copacking initiatives, planning Critical control path, establish product standards
• Play a crucial role in creating and refining products that are sold under a retailer's brand manufactured by a third-party supplier
• Adapting existing formulas or designs to meet the branding and performance expectations of the private label client
• Introducing new ingredients, materials, or features to differentiate the private label product from competitors.
• Working with design and marketing teams to develop packaging that aligns with the private label's brand identity.
• Conducting sensory tests, usability studies, or focus groups, sometimes in partnership with the client.
• Provides directions to Pilot plant operator(s) and laboratory staff, and collaborates with R&D personnel, and production plant leadership to deliver the outputs as per set timelines and accuracy.
• Ensuring that the pilot plant is kept in GMP conditions fit for state to the art manufacturing.
• Setting up the plant as per the technologist trial request ready to use according to agreed planning
• Ensuring that all the ancillary equipment is clean and in good order for use in pilot plant
• Ensure primary raw and packaging material for pilot plant use are available at all times and replenish the stock when required, and that they are stored in GMP condition.
• Assists R&D team in the development of R&D plans by identifying and documenting standards technical operating procedures for Dairy and Beverage portfolios.
• Initiates process improvements which will improve yields and/or lower production costs, enhancing the overall efficiency and cost effectiveness of the business unit for dairy and beverages.
• Works alongside process developers to scale-up production from lab and pilot benchtop to full batch production.
• Manages the engagement, performance and development of the Pilot Plant staff.
• Sensory and chemical evaluation/shelf-life study of the raw materials and finished products.
• Shelf-life Monitoring for R&D trials and first production "GO TO MARKET".
• Identifies problems (trouble shooting) and implementing solutions for technical bugs.
• Develops and qualifies new products, materials, packages and processes at Pilot and Industrial Scales.
• Manages the process qualification, validation and technology transfer to the plant.
• Leads the development of facilities and equipment required for an effective research program.
• Evaluate equipment and process improvements in collaboration with engineering and production teams
• Plan and map a periodic Pilot plant Preventive maintenance, Predictive maintenance for all the pilot plant equipment
• Keep the stocks of essential spare parts, propose the annual budget requirements
• Keep track of the updated developments in pilot plant industry, propose to upgrade the existing or new line of equipment to equip the plant at highest level of flexibility

People Management Accountabilities

• Ensure that all subordinates have clear objectives, constructive and accurate performance feedback sessions formal annual performance appraisals, and individual development plans.
• Adhere with direction for the development and implementation of organizational unit's policies, systems, processes and procedures, identifying potential areas of improvement to ensure efficient and effective operation.
• Comply with corporate requirements on adherence to policies, procedures and instructions related to all relevant regulatory directives to ensure a safe and risk-free environment.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor of Science - Dairy Technology / Food Technology/Food Science

Experience:

• 10-15 years' experience in food research, Dairy processes and applications with at least 5 years in R&D/production.
• Comprehensive knowledge of FDA/SFDA/GSO/SASO regulatory requirements and the implementation of GMP processes used in the food industries.
• Need good general background on Dairy science /Beverages / Process/ Packaging/ Maintenance/ Production.
• Experience in manufacturing - FMCG desirable.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Strategy/Planning, Research, and Business Development

Industries

• Food and Beverage Services, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, and Food & Beverages

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