Research & Development Officer

Purpose of Position

The incumbent will perform research and development aimed at creating innovative product solutions to meet consumer needs and modify existing products, packaging or process in accordance with established product development procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new products using new or existing technologies
• Develop suitable formulations, select ingredients and suppliers, test, analyze, design prototypes, and do bench trials
• Conduct quality and safety studies to meet agreed product attributes, cost targets, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop innovative processes and scale up from bench to pilot plant to commercial production
• Coordinate pilot plant operations for new products
• Provide technical assistance to correct production/quality related challenges in order to maintain product integrity
• Initiate, lead, and participate in continuous improvement and cost reduction projects
• Perform Hazard Analysis on New Products and prepare HACCP for these new products
• Contribute to managing investigation or monitoring budgets
• Prepare periodic product development reports

Required Qualification, Experience, Knowledge

• Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific related field, food technology or equivalent
• Sound knowledge of Food Safety /Quality Management Systems
• Experience in Microbiology
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in a testing laboratory environment and/or food processing (strong preference for the dairy industry).
• Knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Plans (HACCP) 
• Strong analytical & problem solving skills
• Conversant with Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent implementation and project management skills.
• Flexible and able to travel locally & overseas if required 
• Team orientation

GraceKennedy's Competencies

GraceKennedy embraces six key competencies that all employees, regardless of level, should master and demonstrate across the organization. These are:
•    Results Oriented
•    Digitally Savvy
•    Collaborative
•    Engaging & Inspiring
•    Diversity-Embracing
•    GK Values-Driven