ABOUT THE ROLEAs 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 RESPONSIBILITIESDefine 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 StatusBe 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 insightsMain 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 FillingsProvide 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 MeetingsEnsure Compliance for New Products Through Regulations KnowledgeGive Application Training to the Customer workforce and internal colleagues when requiredAssess Existing Technology & Equipment and Maintain Knowledge of State of the Art Technological Possibilities for All Kinds of Customer applicationsLog Trials and Results in System (SFDC or other)Promote new products to customers, through innovation days and customer visitsReceive and translate customer briefs for a New or Existing SolutionBalance 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 CreationAlong with QA make a GO/NO GO Decision to Production in Case of OOS and Report the OOS Specificities to CustomerDrive continuous improvement initiatives re processes, technologies, and organisationOwnership and autonomy within the accountABOUT YOUBachelor’s / Master’s Degree in Food Science or similar fieldMinimum 5 years’ experience in the food industryExperience in Project ManagementOutstanding presentation skillsProven track record in continuous improvement managementExperience in a product development, strong application knowledgeExperience in Sales or client interactionGood knowledge of working tools (MS Office, Salesforce, SAP...)Fluent Business EnglishWillingness to travel within the UK
Customer R&D Specialist 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.
