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- Tasks: Lead R&D strategy for raw materials and drive ingredient innovation globally.
- Company: Join a leading food business focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hands-on lab role with opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team making a real impact in food innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or Bioscience Engineering required, with strong technical knowledge.
- Other info: Full-time role, Monday to Friday, with a mix of lab work and supplier engagement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This job is now CLOSED – for similar roles please check the Development function.
R&D Raw Material Category Specialist opportunity to drive ingredients innovation on a global stage with a leading food business. In this role you will set and lead the R&D strategy for the raw material categories under your responsibility. As part of a central global R&D team, this will involve working closely with your colleagues in the global Procurement and global Quality teams.
You’ll research the market to identify innovative new ingredients and start-ups with a focus on achieving the company’s innovation goals and sustainability targets. This will involve working closely with ingredients suppliers to understand their capabilities and technologies. You’ll compare new and existing ingredients in the lab and carry out functionality tests.
You’ll set the list of preferred suppliers and ensure all technical information required is available across the group. You’ll be responsible for the successful roll-out of ingredients, organising training for the wider group in materials usage and understanding.
This is a hands-on R&D role where you’ll spend over half of your time in the lab. You’ll also be liaising with suppliers on a regular basis and presenting to colleagues across the business. As part of a collaborative, global team of category experts you’ll work jointly on international projects to support the wider group.
To succeed in this role, you’ll need a degree in Food Science or Bioscience Engineering with strong technical knowledge in food ingredient functionality. With strong project management and communication skills, you’ll be good at building positive relationships with others and imparting knowledge of your specialist area.
This is a full-time Monday – Friday days-based role which is mainly site-based with some international travel.
R&D Raw Material Category Specialist employer: Focus Management Consultants
Contact Detail:
Focus Management Consultants Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Raw Material Category Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the food science and R&D sectors. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and suppliers. Building these relationships can give you insights into the latest trends and innovations in raw materials.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest advancements in food ingredient functionality. Follow relevant journals, blogs, and social media accounts to keep your knowledge fresh. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects where you've successfully managed ingredients or collaborated with suppliers. Highlight your project management skills and how you've built positive relationships in previous roles, as these are crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's sustainability goals and innovation strategies. Tailor your discussions to show how your experience aligns with their objectives, demonstrating that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Raw Material Category Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in R&D and food science. Emphasise any projects where you've worked with raw materials or ingredients, showcasing your technical knowledge and project management skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the job description. Mention your degree in Food Science or Bioscience Engineering and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role, particularly in innovation and supplier collaboration.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, include specific examples of your technical knowledge related to food ingredient functionality. Discuss any lab work or functionality tests you have conducted, as this is a key aspect of the role.
Highlight Communication Abilities: Since the role involves liaising with suppliers and presenting to colleagues, emphasise your communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully built relationships and shared knowledge in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Focus Management Consultants
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your degree in Food Science or Bioscience Engineering during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of food ingredient functionality and how it relates to the role.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Prepare to talk about past projects you've managed, especially those involving R&D or ingredient innovation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since this role involves collaboration with global teams, focus on your communication skills. Share experiences where you successfully built relationships with suppliers or colleagues to achieve project goals.
✨Research the Company’s Innovation Goals
Before the interview, take time to understand the company's current innovation and sustainability targets. This will allow you to tailor your answers and show that you're aligned with their vision.
