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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in food applications, developing innovative products and conducting hands-on projects.
- Company: Join AAK, a leader in specialty oils and fats, driving innovation in a sustainable industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, performance bonuses, and a Ride2Work scheme for eco-friendly commuting.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a diverse environment with training and clear career paths.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, contribute to sustainability, and gain international exposure.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in Food Applications, a degree in Food Science, and team management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
AAK Hull is in the heart of an area enjoying significant redevelopment and investment. The Port of Hull is being established as a world-class center for renewable energy and manufacturing, and at AAK we feel proud to be part of this important industrial renaissance for Yorkshire. We operate the UK’s largest refinery for edible oils and fats at our King George Dock site, and supply ingredients and finished products to businesses in the food manufacturing, baking, foodservice, and retail sectors. We enjoy working closely with customers to co-develop bespoke products, in our well-equipped Customer Innovation Center. Everything we do is about Making Better Happen.
About the role
AAK is seeking to appoint a Team Leader Food Applications to cover a 12-month contract to lead the Food Applications team in our Customer Innovation Center in Hull, England and report directly to the Head of Applied Innovation Europe. The position will combine leadership responsibilities and hands-on work to apply knowledge of fats and oils chemistry in food applications. This role, with a team of around 5, will have the responsibility for a Food Applications laboratory and fats and oils Pilot Plant. The successful candidate will support the delivery of the innovation pipeline for the UK and Europe, plan and deliver trainings for our customers and colleagues, develop prototypes and be responsible for sample preparations for customer visits, trade and fair shows.
Responsibilities
- Plans, designs, and conducts food applications projects according to established scientific methods, principles and theories to solve problems and improve or generate new products and solutions in close collaboration with Customer Innovation Managers.
- Activities include developing prototypes, calculating and analyzing test results and preparing detailed reports with recommendations and conclusions.
- Assures that the Food Applications laboratory and fats and oils Pilot Plant are well organized and maintained.
- Manages the Food Applications team, prioritizes and allocates resources, ensuring timely project execution and delivery.
- Supports the execution of the innovation pipeline to meet business objectives and drives short to medium-term market driven innovation.
- Partners with UK and European Customer Innovation Managers, Research Scientists, Sales and Product Management teams to support the innovation agenda and pipeline.
- Plans, hosts and executes customer/partner visits and technical trainings for customers and colleagues, driving best practice and consistency of execution.
About you
- At least 2 years of experience in and knowledge of Food Applications (Bakery, Plant Based, Dairy, Savory) ideally coupled with experience in oils and fats chemistry and applications.
- University degree in Food Science and Technology or professional training in culinary applications.
- Experience in team management roles and people development.
- Experience working with virtual and/or matrix teams and ability to effectively communicate and collaborate in this environment.
- Experience in managing project pipelines.
- Commercially astute with experience in either B2B or B2C environments.
- Excellent communicator, eloquent and succinct to interact professionally with a diverse group of stakeholders both internal and external.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Comfortable at managing risk, complexity and uncertainty.
- Comfortable working in an international business environment, willing to travel (approximately 10%), primarily in UK and Europe.
- Customer oriented and Business focused.
- Strong sense of urgency.
- Drives improvements and open for a challenge.
- Proficiency in other European languages is an advantage.
- Valid driving license (B).
In return
AAK offers performance-based bonus scheme, 25 days of holiday, plus bank holidays, group life cover, income protection scheme for financial security, and Ride2Work scheme for a cost-effective, eco-friendly commute. Join a pioneering company in specialty oils and fats, driving innovation and sustainability. In AAK you can work across 25+ countries, gaining international exposure and collaborating with a diverse team. AAK invests in your development with training, mentorship, and clear career paths. You will contribute to a greener world with AAK's sustainability-focused approach. Join a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual's perspective and talents.
Contact and information
For further information about the position, please contact the Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, Conor Kelly by email; conor.kelly@aak.com.
Team Leader Food Applications – 12 month contract employer: AAK AB
Contact Detail:
AAK AB Recruiting Team
conor.kelly@aak.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader Food Applications – 12 month contract
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food applications, particularly in bakery, plant-based, and dairy sectors. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food science and technology field, especially those who have experience in fats and oils chemistry. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to make connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences managing teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led projects or developed team members, as this role requires strong people management skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research AAK's recent innovations and sustainability initiatives. Being knowledgeable about the company's goals and values will show your genuine interest in contributing to their mission of 'Making Better Happen'.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader Food Applications – 12 month contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food applications, particularly in bakery, plant-based, dairy, and savoury sectors. Emphasise any leadership roles and project management experience to align with the responsibilities of the Team Leader position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food science and innovation. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your expertise in fats and oils chemistry, as well as your ability to lead a team effectively.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role requires interaction with diverse stakeholders, highlight your communication skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or presented technical information to non-experts.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience in managing project pipelines and leading teams. Be ready to discuss how you handle challenges and drive innovation in food applications, as these are key aspects of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at AAK AB
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Make sure to brush up on your knowledge of fats and oils chemistry, as well as food applications in areas like bakery and dairy. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in people development and how you prioritise tasks to ensure timely project execution.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
The position requires working closely with various teams, so think of examples where you've effectively collaborated with others. Be ready to discuss how you communicate and manage relationships with stakeholders in both B2B and B2C environments.
✨Emphasise Your Customer Orientation
AAK values a customer-focused approach, so prepare to talk about how you've driven customer satisfaction in previous roles. Share any experiences where you've developed prototypes or conducted technical training for clients.