Lead Product Technologist: HPC

• You will be responsible for the successful development of pioneering and cutting edge brand differentiating products that meet the evolving and modern consumer demands. You will be expected to deliver tangible outcomes on multiple project work streams within confined timelines, taking the lead role for supplier, manufacturing and  interface within the category, supporting and occasionally standing in for the R&D Manager to prioritise and drive projects to completion.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Work with relevant partners to develop and source new raw materials that are specifically suited to the product ensuring that the raw materials are safe and compliant.
• Use technical expertise to co-create product concepts with Category Brand teams and provide Category Marketing with all key information necessary for designing consumer product research.
• Develop formulations based on product concepts provided by Category Brand teams with claims and regulatory restrictions in mind and make a prototype of the product.
• Employ sustainable design techniques in the development of new products (e.g. life cycle design, design for recycling, reduced waste, etc.).
• Drive ingredient harmonisation and the enhancement of the existing formulation to ensure they continue meeting the changing consumer expectations.
• Determine plant requirements and aid with capex (capability) requirements.
• Draw up development recipes and submit to Finance for approval, after which ensure all recipe data is loaded into our R&D system
• Conduct all necessary tests (shelf-life, efficacy, micro test, etc) to ensure the product is compliant and suitable for end-use.
• Correct and timeous completion of documentation and ensure it is filed correctly (Trial requests, trial report etc.)
• Conduct pre-trial meetings with the unit and thereafter conduct online trials to determine capability of the plant. Ensure that the prototype developed is able to run on existing line(s).
• Ensure that all necessary studies and tests are completed and documented to facilitate dHACCP studies with cross-functional teams – communicate any sensitive raw materials / changes to the plant or processes
• Interface strongly with Manufacturing to prioritize and execute CI and process optimization projects
• Work with outsourced manufacturers for 3rd party projects
• Play a strong role in external customer interface

WHAT YOU WILL BE MEASURED ON

• Time to deliver technical project
• Successful execution of NPD Briefs
• Number of new concepts adopted
• Documentation management
• Savings from Sustainability projects
• Ability to plan and conduct competitor benchmarks
• No of proactive product ideas to build innovation pipeline

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE

Competencies

• Technical Knowledge / Creativity and innovation – knowledge of the science behind developing new efficacious products, from ingredient selection to their interaction and impact on final product.  Subject matter expertise required.
• Teamwork– ability to work well within your team and with other disciplines internally and externally.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Systematic problem solving and ability to summarize, share and implement learnings.
• Decision Making - Ability to review experimental outcomes and decide on best option forward based on information received.
• Time management and organisational skills – ability to prioritise, especially when handling multiple projects.
• Communication and creative storytelling: Ability to translate complex cosmetic formulation into and to conduct presentations to external and internal partners.

Experience

• ND / BSc / BTech, Biochemistry or Chemistry AND Cosmetic Formulation Science
• 5+ years’ Experience in Product development within an FMCG environment
• High Level of Computer Literacy