The Research and Development Associate Process Specialist will design, optimize and validate the product, process/equipment, and packaging parameters to ensure a smooth handover to Operations, increasing efficiency and consistency in production.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assess equipment/process needs and resources for new products, collaborating with Product Developers for upscaling
• Conduct pre-trial discussions with Production, Quality, Planning and R&D to lay out trial plan and resource needs
• Validate product/process parameters prior to turnover to Operations
• Validate product recipe and process parameters for new lines prior to turnover to Production. Follow standard validation and handover procedures prior to full commercialization
• Provide detailed validation reports with clear actions and timelines
• Conduct post-trial discussions to summarize key learnings, issues and next steps
• Collaborate with production and engineering for upscaling activities and initial operator trainings
• Provide detailed Work Instructions for new products; collaborate with production
• Formalize release of new product to Operations through completion of the handover process and stakeholder sign-off
• Identify opportunities for process improvement to meet efficiency/product quality/process control targets
• Update SOP’s and Work Instructions as needed; conduct trainings for Production/Quality
• Ensure complete documentation for new/improved recipes and processes
• Technological watch: Monitor new ingredient, equipment, and process technologies, and propose innovative solutions.
• Optimize formulations using new ingredient technologies; update rework and fat wash matrices as needed; collaborate with Product Developers
• Collaborate with Group and Local Engineering Departments in assessing new technologies and equipment and in commissioning new production and packaging lines for operational readiness
• Design and implement relevant test protocols through various stages of equipment commissioning
• Root cause analyses in case of quality/processing issues; troubleshoot real-time production issues
• Support the TQM/SQF/FSMA requirements
• Build project documentation in line with NPD procedure; ensure confidentiality on formulas and know-how
• Provide monthly reporting to R&D Manager or Senior R&D manager
• Ensure a functional link with the BU specialists at Puratos Headquarters
• Build active network of customers, machine suppliers, researchers, vendors and international Puratos R&D community
• Provide intelligence on innovative raw materials & process technologies
• Design standardized pilot-scale processes and maintain upkeep of lab and equipment
• Comply with 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.

Prior Knowledge/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Preferred majors: Chemical Engineering, Mechanical EngineeringFood Science or Food Engineering
• 2 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment with a focus on food product development, particularly within the food or baking industry, or in roles involving ingredients related to baking
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and general computer skills
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills; ability to network
• Self-motivated with ability to adapt to changing environments

Looking for a Career for Good?

Puratos is a global purpose-driven company focused on bringing people together through food innovation for good. We offer a full range of innovative food ingredients and services for the bakery, patisserie, and chocolate sectors, serving artisans, retailers, industrial and food service companies in over 100 countries around the world. 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.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefit package, designed to promote a Happier, Healthier You.  This includes:

• Insurance coverage beginning the first of the month—no extra waiting period to get started
• Immediate 401(k) eligibility including a fully vested matching contribution
• Receive over 5 weeks total of paid time off within your first year of service
• Free life coaches, convenient onsite health exams, 24/7 access to Registered Nurses
• Puratos-paid insurance coverage to protect you and your family including Life and Disability insurance

If you are a solution oriented and analytical thinker with a passion for leading and inspiring people, we invite you to experience the magic of being yourself and join us for “a career for good.”

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