R&D Project Coordinator

C&D Foods is one of Europe’s leading own label pet food manufacturers producing a range of wet and dry pet foods. Part of The APB Food Group, C&D Foods has grown to become one of the industry’s leading pet food producers. C&D Foods has 9 production facilities across 7 Countries (Ireland, the UK, France, Denmark, Austria, Spain, and The Netherlands) and 2 sales offices located in Manchester and Italy. C&D Foods’ Headquarters is in Mullingar, County Westmeath.Working alongside the Value Engineering Manager, this is a technical role, based in the R&D department. It is primarily a problem-solving role based around suggesting, testing, and implementing solutions to problems and general improvements in production / processing. A good working knowledge of all major science subjects is essential including Chemistry, Biology & Physics. An understanding of food manufacturing is highly beneficial. This role can be based from our Head Office, Mullingar or R&D center in Edgeworthstown, Longford.Key Responsibilities:      To review current and new raw materials, to identify improvements and alternatives. Involves working closely with the purchasing, nutrition, and quality teams.To review current products and engage with customers and the company’s commercial team on cost saving initiatives.To work with the operations team to ensure maximum processing efficiency where possible. Oversee the creation and management of an improvement roadmap.Support other departments within the company when responding to technical queries.Engage closely with finance & sales teams to ensure product is produced within budget.Engage with purchasing team to support on forward buying of raw materials.Streamlining; Reduce unnecessary complications in the production processCost efficiency; Implement least cost practise in the production processApproved alternatives; Identify take through the approval process alternative raw materials as insurance against supply chain upsetsRecipe management: ongoing recipe management is required to meet updated and evolving legal and nutritional requirements.In achieving the above the following responsibilities applyTrial design: Ability to assess a problem and propose a solutionTravel to the site and oversee the required testsAssessment of production performance, a good understanding of the mechanical processes of food production and the properties which affect these is highly beneficialInterpretation of results; ability to read and understand detailed reports of food chemistry is essentialReport writing, ability to compile a report to summarise technical, physical and financial effects of a new proposalPresentation of results & proposals; ability to clearly present results of work done to the senior management team and engage with them on how best to implement the proposals.Personal Competencies & Qualifications:Science based degree essential, good understanding of food chemistry, human or animal biology and basic principles of physicsExcellent mathematical abilityUnderstanding of basic principles of accounting; profit & lossGood understanding of Microsoft ExcelProficient in general IT to work in the various management systems across the companyExcellent report writing skills essentialExperience in creating presentations and delivery of sameHighly motivated, self-starter.Logical thinker, good problem-solving abilities.Ability to adapt to a fast-paced work setting and accept rapidly changing priorities.Approachable and open personality, comfortable with being the point of contact between various departments within the company.Willing to travel on a regular basis, production sites located in 4 European countries.Practical approach and understanding of production processes would be beneficial.Excellent attention to detail is essential.Ability to make decisions under pressure.Ability to work from own initiative without the need for constant supervision.