This role delivers implementation (Product or Pack) across part of the business (SU and/or copack), in line with the R&D strategy and using ways of working defined by the R&D Head of Implementation. Included in the role is leading a team to deliver on factory scale-up, technical project management of NPD, EPD and productivity projects including Innovation, Renovation and Fuel for Growth projects and products manufactured at 3rd party co-packers.

We need someone who:

Successfully delivers the RDQ Annual Plan by :

• Taking products from prototype to launch in full and on time, in line with the critical path.
• Ensuring the dynamic resourcing of the RDQ Team in own area.
• Understanding the SU agenda and Annual Plan (AP) impact.
• Flagging risks and opportunities.
• Driving/delivering Fuel for Growth (F4G) programme in areas of responsibility.
• Delivering chartered F4G projects and identifying future opportunities.
• Approving and implementing recipe and process changes to current products that have no discernible impact on product design (e.g., productivity, footprint, supply continuity).
• Providing accurate & informative inputs to gate documents.
• Following Nomad Foods processes for scale-up and approval.
• Driving the implementation of the R&D programme and/or projects within their Sourcing Unit (SU) and designated co-packers, in line with agreed objectives and milestones.
• Ensuring that the key elements of the product design are retained on scale up and ongoing production, including productivity programmes.

Shows Leadership by:

• Prioritising decisions when needed, consulting with colleagues and escalating to R&D Head of Implementation, SPDM Implementation and / or R&D Head of Category when needed.
• Working with speed and agility when required.
• Being able to deal with unforeseen consequences – e.g. raw material challenges or business continuity issues.
• Leading a motivated team that is delivering on their roles and responsibilities.
• Having a PDP set out for each team member.
• Deploying R&D resources to deliver maximum return on investment in line with business and R&D strategy.
• Identifying high potential talent and championing their Career Development Programmes (CDP).
• Identifying and adopting more efficient ways of working.
• Delivering programmes within a budget agreed with the R&D Head of Category or R&D Head of Implementation.

Successfully works with stakeholder teams by:

• Being a member of TAG teams, partnering with Quality and Procurement to reduce complaints and deliver improvements in supply chain.
• Leading R&D Communities of Practice to improve efficiency and synergy with R&D.
• Working with other R&D Leaders to ensure best practise is shared and fully deployed within teams.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders (e.g. suppliers) to ensure all project targets are met.

Meeting Nomad Policies and Regulatory Requirements by:

• Ensuring product and ingredient specifications are fully compliant and audit-ready.
• Ensuring that there is no detrimental change to the CSR or and Nutritional status of products.
• Implementing the strategy and ways of working defined by the R&D Head of Implementation within their team.

• Must be qualified to at least degree level in a Technical subject, e.g. Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Biology, Physics.
• Significant experience (3+ years) within the Food & Drink industry in a Technical /Product /Pack Development role.
• Ability to learn and use IT systems – Planview etc.
• Proficient in the English language
• Track record of successful innovation within food or other FMCG category
• Experience of line trials and scale up.