Own Brand Product Technologist
Contract: 12 Months
Location: Cork
Join Musgrave: Where Innovation Meets Heritage, and People Drive Change
Musgrave is one of Europe's most successful family-owned businesses, with a rich 150-year legacy in food and brand innovation. We're proud to serve communities across Ireland and Spain, feeding one in three people every day through 18 iconic brands like SuperValu, Centra, Mace, Frank and Honest, and Musgrave MarketPlace. By supporting thousands of retail and foodservice family businesses, we make a positive impact on the communities they serve. We're committed to becoming the most trusted and sustainable business in Ireland, and we're looking for dynamic, forward-thinking individuals to join us on this journey.
As we continue our journey toward becoming Ireland's most trusted and sustainable business, we have an exciting opportunity for a successful candidate to join our Own Brand team as Product Technologist.
The successful candidate will join a vibrant Own Brand Team that develops and markets leading Own Brand products, both food and non-food, including SuperValu, Centra and Musgrave Excellence brands. This role involves working closely with Product Developers and Trading Managers to develop a defined range of food products across a range of categories. You will ensure products are technically safe and legal with the correct specifications, and all internal guidelines and policies are adhered to. To succeed in this role, you will need a food technology/science background and be able to apply your knowledge in a commercially aware way.
What you'll be doing:
* Working closely with suppliers to ensure new and existing Own Brand Products meet agreed specifications and quality standards for both product and packaging.
* Ensuring 100% compliance with legislation and Musgrave policies at all stages of development.
* Manage and maintain online product specifications (Zoom) to ensure all new and existing products developed are fully approved before release onto the market.
* Adherence to stage gate product development process.
* Understanding the market through regular benchmarking, identifying opportunities for product or process improvement for Musgrave range.
* Support suppliers & product developer in implementation of best-in-class sustainable packaging solutions in line with the Musgrave packaging targets.
* Maintain communication with Quality department re supplier audit status and ensure any technical issues are managed appropriately and all stakeholders are kept informed.
* Develop strong relationships with suppliers and customers
* Develop a clear and concise understanding of the business priorities and playing a vital part in delivering the guiding principle of lowest cost.
What we'er looking for:
* A Third level degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Food Business or similar relevant course.
* 5 years on experience in the FMCG sector/food manufacturing environment in a transferable role such as Development/Quality/ Technical.
* Experience of completing retailer specifications on computerised specification systems
* Legal labels knowledge, experience of approving product labels
* Excellent communication and influencing skills as well as project management skills with a proven record of same
* The ability to work individually, as well as part of a large, cross functional team
* Outstanding attention to detail
* Passionate about food and understanding the latest trends
Functional hands-on experience in:
* Project management and planning
* Quality systems e.g. BRC Standard, HACCP systems, Allergen control, ETC
* Computerised specification systems
* Legislation, legal labels, product specifications
* Supplier and product selection
* Product quality optimisation
* Application of benchmarking and lean techniques
* Product and packaging cost modelling
* Supplier negotiation
* Process oriented, required to demonstrate strong organisational, analytical, communication and negotiation skills.
Why Musgrave:
Career Development: With a commitment to your personal and professional growth, Musgrave offers numerous opportunities for advancement and learning.
Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a passionate team, where your contributions will make a significant impact
Innovation Focus: Be part of a company that values forward-thinking solutions
Community Focus: Be part of a company that truly values its communities and strives to make a positive impact.
Be Part of a Legacy: Join a company with a long-standing commitment to community and innovation.
Are you ready to make a difference? Apply now and join us in creating a future where business success and positive change go hand in hand
Musgrave is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from diverse candidates. If we can make any accommodations to enable you to be the best version of yourself during the interview, please let us know.
Musgrave operate a Work Smart hybrid working model where you can alternate your time between connecting and collaborating in the business and working remotely.