Research & Development Process Technology Manager

Role Description

This position is a part of the Ingredient Excellence Center (IEC) that represents a team of technical experts responsible for innovation projects focusing on creating value through ingredient functionality and processing technology for ofi Cocoa.
It is a full-time opportunity that has arisen for the IEC team. The position is part of Research and Development focused on processing technology at ofi Cocoa. In this role, you will pursue and test new technology or digitization solutions and optimize current production lines. You will scout the world for new concepts and turn them into solutions from pilot scale to industrial-scale products and/or technologies.

Key Deliverables

• Reporting to IEC lead Technology, your responsibilities include:
• Developing process and software designs associated documentation (technical and functional specifications);
• Scouting for and researching innovations in technology and digitization (artificial intelligence and machine learning included) with the aim of developing new products and/or upgrading and optimizing our production process;
• You are your own project manager but will receive the necessary assistance from the R&D team within which you work. You will work independently or within a team during the different phases, from the idea to the implementation of the concept on an industrial scale. Quality and speed are key to being the first to bring to market innovative technologies and new products;
• You will communicate your enthusiasm for unusual solutions to your colleagues in R&D or other teams within Olam Cocoa in an appropriate and fact-based manner. You will provide regular updates on the progress of the project;
• You will play a leading role in shaping technical business case behind solutions including engineering, manufacturing costs and sustainability;
• You will lead local teams to commission new production lines, troubleshoot and optimize production processes worldwide, leveraging AI-driven insights where possible;
• You will work closely with internal teams including engineering, process automation and production and external machine suppliers on a project basis. You play a pivotal role in successfully imple enting or aborting projects;
• To scout for and validate innovations at an early stage, you will maintain your network of external partners and R&D colleagues worldwide;
• This position requires travel (approx. 10-20%).

Candidate Profile

• Has an BSc degree or higher in Food Technology, Chemical Engineering or Process Engineering and a strong affinity for digitization, engineering and software;
• Thinks outside the box and has a passion for combining new technology with digitization. Understands that quality and speed are key to the effective implementation of projects;
• Has a passion for cocoa and a drive to introduce innovations in sustainability and digitization in the industry;
• Manages effectively stakeholders to identify and understand (business) requirements and translate these into delivering innovative and sustainable value solutions;
• Takes initiative and demonstrates decisiveness to effectively implement projects with internal and external partners;
• Is a self-starter with a hands-on approach and can-do mentality, has the analytical capability to identify and solve complex project-related problems.
• Has the ability to work independently as well as within a team and is willing to work abroad for short or extended periods of time;
• Has good communication and social skills;
• Is proficient in spoken and written English, while functional knowledge of Dutch is considered an asset;
• Has around 3 years of experience as a leader of technical projects in food manufacturing or similar.
• Experience in the food industry is a plus.
• Advanced data analysis and presentation skills is a plus.