C&D Foods is one of Europe's leading own label pet food manufacturers producing a range of wet and dry pet foods. Part of The APB Food Group, C&D Foods has grown to become one of the industry's leading pet food producers. C&D Foods has 9 production facilities across 7 countries (Ireland, the UK, France, Denmark, Austria, Spain, and The Netherlands) and 2 sales offices located in Manchester and Italy. C&D Foods' Headquarters is in Mullingar, County Westmeath.
Working alongside the Value Engineering Manager, this is a technical role, based in the R&D department. It is primarily a problem-solving role based around suggesting, testing, and implementing solutions to problems and general improvements in production/processing. A good working knowledge of all major science subjects is essential including Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. An understanding of food manufacturing is highly beneficial. This role can be based from our Head Office, Mullingar or R&D center in Edgeworthstown, Longford.
Key Responsibilities:
* Review current and new raw materials to identify improvements and alternatives, working closely with the purchasing, nutrition, and quality teams.
* Review current products and engage with customers and the company's commercial team on cost-saving initiatives.
* Work with the operations team to ensure maximum processing efficiency where possible. Oversee the creation and management of an improvement roadmap.
* Support other departments within the company when responding to technical queries.
* Engage closely with finance & sales teams to ensure products are produced within budget.
* Support the purchasing team on forward buying of raw materials.
* Streamline processes to reduce unnecessary complications in production.
* Implement least-cost practices in the production process for cost efficiency.
* Identify and approve alternative raw materials as insurance against supply chain upsets.
* Ongoing recipe management to meet updated and evolving legal and nutritional requirements.
* Trial design: Assess problems and propose solutions.
* Travel to sites to oversee required tests.
* Assess production performance with a good understanding of the mechanical processes of food production.
* Interpret results and understand detailed reports of food chemistry.
* Compile reports summarizing technical, physical, and financial effects of proposals.
* Present results and proposals clearly to the senior management team and engage on implementation strategies.
Personal Competencies & Qualifications:
* Science-based degree essential with a good understanding of food chemistry, human or animal biology, and basic principles of physics.
* Excellent mathematical ability.
* Understanding of basic principles of accounting; profit & loss.
* Good understanding of Microsoft Excel.
* Proficient in general IT to work in various management systems across the company.
* Excellent report writing skills are essential.
* Experience in creating and delivering presentations.
* Highly motivated, self-starter.
* Logical thinker with good problem-solving abilities.
* Ability to adapt to a fast-paced work setting and accept rapidly changing priorities.
* Approachable and open personality, comfortable as the point of contact between various departments.
* Willing to travel regularly to production sites located in 4 European countries.
* Practical understanding of production processes is beneficial.
* Excellent attention to detail is essential.
* Ability to make decisions under pressure.
* Ability to work independently without constant supervision.
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