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 initiativesTo work with the operations team to ensure maximum processing efficiency where possible. Support other departments within the company when responding to technical queriesEngage closely with finance & sales teams to ensure product is produced within budget Engage with purchasing team to support on forward buying of raw materialsStreamlining; 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. Trial design: ability to assess a problem and propose a solutionTravel to sites 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 proposal Presentation 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 essentialGood understanding of food chemistry, human or animal biologyUnderstanding of basic principles of accounting; profit & loss, budgetingMicrosoft Excel experience Excellent report writing skills Experience in creating presentations and delivery of sameHighly motivated, self-starter who can work from own initiativeLogical thinker, good problem-solving abilitiesWilling to travel within Europe on a regular basisUnderstanding of production processes is an advantageExcellent attention to detailAbility to make decisions under pressure