At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical product development and provide expert guidance to customers in the food industry.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and customer partnerships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Exciting role with opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising chocolate handling and improving manufacturing efficiency.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s/Master’s in Food Science and 5 years’ experience in the food industry required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
As a key member of the R&D team, you will lead technical product development, driving best-in-class product solutions and sharing deep product expertise across the organization. Acting as a trusted partner to customers, you will provide technical guidance on product selection, applications, and chocolate handling optimization to improve manufacturing efficiency. You will deliver technical support, troubleshoot issues at customer sites, and conduct training sessions on our products and applications. This role is integral to building strong customer partnerships and ensuring exceptional product performance and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Define Recipe Requirements Based on Customer Specs, Reference Material and in Collaboration with Internal Colleagues (Product Expert & Process Engineer).
- Communicate and Align with Customer and Stakeholders on Project Content and Status.
- Be present on Customer’s site to work through any new product implementation as well as advising how to develop customers business.
- Maintain and develop customer relations to maintain communication and insights.
- Main good overview of customers capabilities, product portfolio, future pipelines and launches.
- Perform Application Tests with the Application Lab with or without Customer, e.g. Trials on New Chocolate, Compounds and Fillings.
- Provide on site Technical Advice to Customer on Application during Industrial Trials and to ensure a Smooth Transition to Industrial Scale up (Troubleshooting).
- Identify, Inform and Organise Project Members and Stakeholders, e.g. Establish a Team for Innovation or Large projects, Organize Project Team Meetings.
- Ensure Compliance for New Products Through Regulations Knowledge.
- Give Application Training to the Customer workforce and internal colleagues when required.
- Assess Existing Technology & Equipment and Maintain Knowledge of State of the Art Technological Possibilities for All Kinds of Customer applications.
- Log Trials and Results in System (SFDC or other).
- Promote new products to customers, through innovation days and customer visits.
- Receive and translate customer briefs for a New or Existing Solution.
- Balance Time and Resource Effort vs. Benefits of the Request, e.g. Discuss Feasibility, Assess risks, Ensure Compliance with Business Standards.
- Collect Customer Feedback on Sample and Testing’s and Define Next Steps in Product Creation.
- Along with QA make a GO/NO GO Decision to Production in Case of OOS and Report the OOS Specificities to Customer.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives re processes, technologies, and organisation.
- Ownership and autonomy within the account.
About You
- Bachelor’s / Master’s Degree in Food Science or similar field.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in the food industry.
- Experience in Project Management.
- Outstanding presentation skills.
- Proven track record in continuous improvement management.
- Experience in a product development, strong application knowledge.
- Experience in Sales or client interaction.
- Good knowledge of working tools (MS Office, Salesforce, SAP...).
- Fluent Business English.
- Willingness to travel within the UK.
Customer R&D Specialist in Banbury employer: Barry Callebaut
As a Customer R&D Specialist, you will thrive in a dynamic and innovative environment that prioritises employee growth and collaboration. Our company fosters a culture of continuous improvement, offering extensive training opportunities and the chance to work closely with customers to develop cutting-edge product solutions. Located in the heart of the UK, we provide a supportive workplace where your expertise will be valued, and your contributions will directly impact customer success and satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer R&D Specialist in Banbury
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Barry Callebaut.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Barry Callebaut!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Barry Callebaut, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Barry Callebaut, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer R&D Specialist in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Barry Callebaut, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Barry Callebaut.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Barry Callebaut. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Barry Callebaut. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barry Callebaut
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Barry Callebaut’s mission.
