R&D Project Coordinator

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 & 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:

• To review current and new raw materials, to identify improvements and alternatives. Involves working closely with the purchasing, nutrition, and quality teams.
• To review current products and engage with customers and the company’s commercial team on cost saving initiatives.
• To 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 product is produced within budget.
• Engage with purchasing team to support on forward buying of raw materials.
• Streamlining; Reduce unnecessary complications in the production process
• Cost efficiency; Implement least cost practise in the production process
• Approved alternatives; Identify take through the approval process alternative raw materials as insurance against supply chain upsets
• Recipe management: ongoing recipe management is required to meet updated and evolving legal and nutritional requirements.
• In achieving the above the following responsibilities apply
• Trial design: Ability to assess a problem and propose a solution
• Travel to the site and oversee the required tests
• Assessment of production performance, a good understanding of the mechanical processes of food production and the properties which affect these is highly beneficial
• Interpretation of results; ability to read and understand detailed reports of food chemistry is essential
• Report writing, ability to compile a report to summarise technical, physical and financial effects of a new proposal
• Presentation of results & proposals; ability to clearly present results of work done to the senior management team and engage with them on how best to implement the proposals.

Personal Competencies & Qualifications:

• Science based degree essential, 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 the various management systems across the company
• Excellent report writing skills essential
• Experience in creating presentations and delivery of same
• Highly motivated, self-starter.
• Logical thinker, good problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced work setting and accept rapidly changing priorities.
• Approachable and open personality, comfortable with being the point of contact between various departments within the company.
• Willing to travel on a regular basis, production sites located in 4 European countries.
• Practical approach and understanding of production processes would be beneficial.
• Excellent attention to detail is essential.
• Ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to work from own initiative without the need for constant supervision.

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