Staff Scientist, Europe R&D

Job Location: Hershey, PA
 

Summary:  

The main purpose of this position is to deliver the new product development program for Europe market as well as the Chocolate Canada Specific innovation.  
Primarily focus: This position acts as the primary technical contact for any Reese’s Branded development need for the EU market. Responsible to deliver high complexity Product Development projects including fillings (e.g., Peanut Crème) and Chocolate to be sourced from selected Coman net work. Additionally to formula and process development, this also consider ingredients and finished product specifications elaboration and approval.
This position works closely with OBD and cross functional partners in the region to evaluate and qualify Coman net work capabilities. 
Additionally, the Staff Scientist R&D will also be the contact point with the Canada innovation team for Canada specific innovation. The candidate will be responsible, from bench top work to manufacturing line scale up, to execute Canada specific innovation, translating concepts into winning product propositions.
 
The second critical purpose of this position is to foster the connection between the Global R&D New Technology and Future and the International R&D community by coordinating a technology program in service to the future International innovation pipeline. The candidate will be responsible for the coordination of a Technology strategy for the International markets working closely with the New Technology and Future team and with the Regional R&D leads as well as key stakeholder such as QRC, OBD, 

The Staff Scientist R&D Europe accountability:

• Leads Product Development program for Europe and Canada Specific Innovation 
• Manages relationship with Coman network in EU
• Collaborates closely with Europe and Canada marketing, International Innovation Marketing, Portfolio Operations, US R&D, Regulations in regard to adequate product design that fits local regs and palate.
• Collaborates with Operations (OBD), QRC, Engineering when required to ensure success in applying current and new technologies in support of the European innovation program.

Approximately 25% travel required, (in the US and International).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

Summary of major duties:
• Project execution
• New Product and process development management
• Product, process, and packaging improvement management
• Lab, budget, in-country technical staff management and Vendor Interaction

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:  
• Strong understanding of principles of food chemistry and ingredients functionality is desirable.
• Skills in experiment design and using statistical analysis tools are strongly desired.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Understand and comfortable negotiating withing a diversified cultural environment. 
• International experience with a Global mindset. Think Globally and execute locally
• International travel flexibility.   
• Management and coaching skills.
• Leadership skills.
• Good strategic thinking skills with ability to integrate functional/regional strategy within Corporate vision and strategy.
• Problem solving
• Good decision-making skills and sound judgement
• Ability to collaborate across regions, departments, and all levels of the organization.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:  
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field required (Food Science, Chemical, Agricultural, Biological or Food Engineering). Master’s degree and/or Ph.D. a plus.
Experience:
• 6+ years of experience
• Has successfully led New Product Development or Technology Research programs within a company known for best-in-class innovation and NPD processes.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in the Confectionery, Food, Consumer Goods and/or Pharmaceutical industry is preferred.
• Experience in translating unmet consumer needs with commercial objectives into science and technology strategies and plans. Understands and appreciates the role of science and technology in the wider business context.
• Has worked in a different culture 

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