R&D Ingredient Processing Assoc Engineer (FTC) in Leicester

Overview

Please note this is offered as a temporary role on a fixed term contract. The main purpose of this role is to support the Global SBPT (Seasoning Behaviour Prediction Tool) program, co‑ordinating activities with region SBPT leads, vendor accountable SMEs and analytical services as required to provide timely reports and recommendations to global Flavour & Seasoning resources on seasoning functionality. The role is global in scope and will require maintenance of effective networking relationships and partnerships with Global R&D Platform, Product and Process teams, Global Procurement and Supply Chain in multiple business units. Close connection and collaboration with core global flavour and seasoning suppliers and external research partners will also be a key part of the role. Managing and delivering on multiple stakeholder expectations whilst balancing the long and short term needs of the project are key requirements of this role.

Responsibilities

• Design, interpret, and deliver pragmatic solutions and recommendations supported by robust technical and analytical data, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail.
• Collaborate closely with Global and Regional Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to ensure alignment.
• Design, develop, and lead the implementation of analytical instrument methodologies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), troubleshooting guides, and job aids specifically tailored for powder characterization within the program.
• Take complete ownership of the online SBPT tool, maintaining its full functionality and leading future developments. This entails collaborating closely with developers to design new features, conducting beta testing, and overseeing the release of updated features.
• Develop, plan, lead, and oversee technical training initiatives to ensure comprehensive skill development for users worldwide, tailored to their individual proficiency levels.
• Lead, plan, conduct, and coordinate research initiatives, performing thorough project risk assessments and providing strategic recommendations for integrating program strategies.
• Analyze and effectively communicate the implications of emerging trends.
• Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships across Global and Local R&D teams, as well as with non‑R&D functions, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Provide regular progress updates, communicate technical challenges in a timely manner, and align project next steps with key cross‑functional project teams and stakeholders, including Supply Chain, Key Flavor Houses, Global R&D Platform, and Commercial teams.
• Take full ownership and accountability for all technical activities, ensuring timely project delivery and successful outcomes.
• Influence a diverse range of resources to overcome technical and business challenges from a global perspective.
• Maintain strong connections with a portfolio of business partners and stakeholders across technical and operational functions globally (both internally and externally), understanding and delivering on short and long‑term initiatives punctually.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate in‑depth technical knowledge in the areas of powder ingredient characterisation and associated unit operations.
• Minimum of 5 years’ previous experience in FMCG R&D, product/technology development or productivity roles preferably in Foods to demonstrate established competence at product and process development.
• Graduate in a Food Scientific or related discipline or equivalent.
• In‑depth analytical skills to interpret complex data and distil into meaningful information e.g. interpreting process data, experimental design, and statistical inference to find actionable pragmatic solutions.
• Basic finance analysis, business case development and execution experience.
• High degree of attention to detail, highly numerate and computer literate (Microsoft Office).
• Understanding of Food Science, Food Design, Food Engineering and Manufacturing.
• Established project management skills to drive multiple projects effectively & efficiently across different markets.
• Experience with operating in a large/matrixed organization with good interpersonal/People Management/Technical Business Agenda Skills and an ability to influence vertically and horizontally.
• Self‑starter, self‑motivating: able to balance competing priorities without losing momentum and manage uncertainty and complexity in fast evolving FMCG environments.
• Ensures project objectives & results are consistent with stakeholder expectations and business deliverables.