Associate NPD Specialist

This role is an entry-level role into the New Product Development (NPD) position. The incumbent is expected to participate in new product development for innovation and renovation projects in support of the ice cream business and gain the skills and confidence to lead simpler projects under supervision.

The role provides a technical and project management resource on project teams working on “Innovation & Renovation”, “Factory support”, “Quality improvement” and “Material sourcing” projects. By working and assisting on these types of projects the NPD Associate Scientist gains product & process knowledge to further their impact and build their professional skills to be able to lead simpler projects themselves.

The incumbent ensures that all the products are developed and handed over effectively to run efficiently in the factories by running feasibility studies and technical trials before product launch.

• Implementation of Innovation & Renovation projects under the supervision of Seniors/Mentors.
• Actively participate and shadow seasoned team members to learn all aspects of product development and project management – including and not limited to: formulation, bench work, Pilot Plant and factory trials, raw material selection and specifications, finished product evaluation and testing. It also involves learning the administrative aspect of the role (material creation and onboarding, recipe management, regulatory compliance etc.) and requires a grasp of project management skills and tools and timeline management.
• Perform below tasks under supervision:
• Product & process development activities, e.g. new product prototyping, bench top and pilot plant trial management.
• Raw material and finished product testing.
• Completion of costing analysis, preliminary manufacturing dossiers, trial and first-production technical and commercial sign-off documentation, quality specifications (CRQS) documents.
• Assure accuracy and a timely hand-over of new product documentation (manufacturing dossier) to the factory team to allow for a successful industrialization.
• Ensure that raw material and finished product specifications are complete and available and issued for hand over to the factory
• Ensure process capability conducted during the industrialization stage in order to ensure accurate costing of the products
• Support the first 3 production runs to ensure the product has been successfully integrated
• Participate in continued improvement and optimization of current product and processes within factories according to local business needs and supply situation.
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory, legal and company standards.
• Work closely with internal procurement teams, and technical to ensure all new materials don’t add additional complexity/risk and/or waste to the factory.
• Continuous improvement of technical and interpersonal skills, while growing internal and external networks.
• Work towards developing expertise for product/process mastership within NPD. Develop the proficiencies required to be able to support our operations.

• Specified product development on involved projects launched on time at required cost, with vertical integration into the factory, and ability to keep quality through the prescribed shelf life.
• All paperwork and files completed correctly and on time
• Adherence to the internally agreed NPD process
• Ensure that data integrity is maintained.
• All issues arising from pre-launch trials and post-launch reviews are seen to be closed out.
• Ability to form positive relationships with both internal teams and external customers and suppliers
• Solid knowledge of Brand essence and values
• Active communication with the NPD manager on current projects, issues, concerns and PDP development during the planned one-on-one sessions
• Represent The Froneri Way of working through the behaviors and characteristics in our Operating Model and Core Values
• Attend to issues immediately when they happen. Focus on clear and straightforward solutions.
• Promote the importance of acting like an “owner”, rather than employees.
• Never walk by an unacceptable standard. Always uphold the highest quality and operational standards.