Sr, Manager, R&D Fillings & Décor

Do you have the appetite to Grow Your Magic?

Consumers everywhere are increasingly conscious of the quality of the food they eat. Puratos develops, produces and distributes a unique range of ingredients for bakers, pastry-chefs and chocolatiers who demand the very highest quality.

Founded in Belgium in 1919, Puratos is growing rapidly with over 9000 employees in 75 countries, with a consolidated turnover of over €2 billion. Our passion for innovation, pioneering spirit and core values continue to propel our global ambitions. This coupled with our commitment to our communities is what makes working at Puratos so magical.

Sr Manager, R&D Fillings & Décors

(Chilliwack, BC)

Reporting directly to the VPR&D, this person will be responsible for profitable business growth of the product category through the development of innovative solutions, business development, cost optimization, operational support, people management and resource planning.

1. Overview

Job Title:                         Sr. Manager, R&D Fillings & Décors

Department:                  Research & Development (R&D)

Direct Leader:                Vice President, R&D

Direct Reports:               N/A

Location:                        Fraser Valley, (Chilliwack), BC

Starting Date:                 April 2024

2. DETERMINATION OF FUNCTION - TASKS

1. Manage direct reports and their output
   • Align the R&D activities with sales, marketing and operations expectations
   • Continuously challenge the optimal use & efficiency of R&D and measure with KPI
   • Work with R&D management to prioritize projects appropriately
   • Assure a pipeline of talent by using Enterprise leadership principles, having a growth mindset and keeping a people-first approach
   • Ensure team is following established product development processes
   • Follow all performance management and leadership processes

2. Contribute actively to the category strategy
   • Identify market / product opportunities and threats and implement action plans accordingly with relevant Product Management team member
   • Contribute in development, implementation and support of the yearly category initiatives and actions
   • Closely follow the sales results and propose measures to ensure profitable growth 
   • Ensure a functional link with the BU responsible in the Head Quarters

3. Development of new products and concepts
   • Formulation of products in line with the yearly marketing plan by active participation in the local Innovation process.
   • Tailor-made customer demands by following our Go No Go process
   • Actively lead product development projects

4. Adaptation of existing formulas
   • Develop and enable execution of cost reduction programs maintaining performances, including raw material rationalization
   • pro-actively develop strategies with the BDT to optimize the existing portfolio (SKU reduction, positioning, ...)

5. Business Development support to Sales for above mentioned product categories by :
   • Key contact for customers and ensure the highest level of customer service
   • Have an in-depth knowledge of the Fillings & Decors portfolio in Canada and be able to appropriately suggest a suitable product to Business Development teams and customers
   • Working with teams to create outstanding customer Innovation meetings
   • identifying new business opportunities for Key Accounts and Key Development Accounts
   • implementing appropriate solutions (existing and new)
   • making internal and external presentation and seminars explaining benefits of our products
   • participate in strategic exercises intending to develop our business in the above-mentioned products. This should be based on a good understanding of the local market.
   • Working with Technical Advisors to create outstanding finished goods

6. Support Operations  and TQM :
   • support in case of quality issues: judging, root-cause analysis and rework
   • ensure all steps are respected for a faultless implementation of new products in production
   • review on a yearly base with QC the non-conformities and look for optimizations
   • support the TQM requirements

7. Manage accurately all technical administration:
   • Ensure complete documentation on raw materials, formulations, process parameters, item requests, QC tests, labelling, TDS on new or revised products;
   • ensure project documentation is in line with our NPD procedure by using the appropriate tools 
   • support the Technical Documentation department
   • ensure confidentiality on formulas and technology
   • High standard of execution excellence, ensure own and team’s tasks are completed on time and in full
   • Use project management principles to ensure project deadlines are met

8. Build expertise & network in specialty area:
   • Become a leading expert in the product range by training and field experience
   • Ensure a functional link with the BU specialists in Head Quarters
   • Build an active network of customers, machine suppliers, researchers, vendors and the international Puratos R&D community
   • Provide intelligence on innovative raw materials & technologies that can differentiate our products
   • Ensure a seamless relationship between R&D in different manufacturing sites

9. Assure premium performances of the R&D lab:
   • by designing standardised baking tests and respecting the 5S and GMP policy.
   • By advising on equipment needs and process improvements

10. Act with Safety in mind.

11. Food Safety :
    • comply with our food safety procedures upon new raw material selection, product development or modification and sample preparation.
    • report all food safety and quality issues to immediate Supervisor and / or head of Quality.

12. Responsible for any other assignment given by the direct superior.

III. Key Internal Relationships

• Sales Department
• Marketing Department
• Operations
• BU of product categories
• Group R&D

IV. Key External Relationships

• Puratos Customers
• Suppliers
• Universities & Colleges
• Trade associations

V. Position profile

• Academic degree:    Bachelor of Science, ideally Master of Science in food science
• Experience (years & type of experience) : Minimum 10 years technical experience, with a minimum 2 – 3 years managing direct reports
• Languages: Fluent Written/Verbal English a must; French an asset
• ICT: Standard Windows
• Other expertise: Excellent written & verbal communication skills
• Mobility: up to 30% to time. Travel to US, EU and across Canada.

VI.     Key Performance Indicators

• Results- Puratos Canada
• Results- category
• % hit rate of projects

VII. 4Company Values:

• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Passion
• Quality
• Courage
• Vision

What Puratos Offers

• Competitive salary, bonus and benefits
• Potential to grow in an excellent International Company that believes in a  People First culture
• Project oriented challenges
• Fast pace and dynamic working environment
• Highly flexible hybrid work arrangements
• Share in the success of a profitable expanding business in Canada and worldwide