Product Development Centre Specialist

TL;DR

Product Development Centre Specialist (Process Engineer): Drive development of new liquid food products, processes, and categories through trial runs in pilot facilities with an accent on process, packaging, and industrial engineering solutions. Focus on executing customer trials, managing PDC equipment, and ensuring safety, quality, and efficient on-site operations.

Gotemba, Japan – you'll be based there reporting to the Customer Experience Manager.

Company

Global leader in food processing and packaging solutions with Product Development Centers worldwide, including highly flexible pilot facilities for dairy, beverages, plant-based products, and more.

What you will do

• Work closely with customers and commercial teams to customize trial activities based on their requirements and challenges, improving customer experience.
• Operate PDC equipment to support product tests and manage equipment including planning, spare parts, preparation, operation, and maintenance.
• Execute trial runs: pre-communication, understand requirements, equipment setup, operation, trial reporting, and final customer communication.
• Handle on-site management (5S), safety, quality training, raw material preparation, consumables planning/purchasing, and expense settlements with stakeholders.
• Collaborate with stakeholders using knowledge and innovative tools to drive product and business development.

Requirements

• University degree in Process Engineering, Food Technology, Chemical Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or similar + expert-level skills or 6+ years proven experience.
• Experience in processing or filling areas, familiar with various processing and filling portfolios.
• Japanese language at Native level and English at Business level.
• Good communication skills, ability to build relationships internally and externally, team player, culturally adept.
• Self-motivated, independent worker with strong drive for results, analytical skills, attention to detail, and organizational abilities.

Nice to have

• Experience in process development and technical assessment of process conditions.
• Experience in product management and equipment management.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygienic design, industry standards, regulations.
• Basic understanding of nutritional industry and ingredients.

Culture & Benefits

• Exciting challenges with development and training opportunities in a global environment.
• Culture of innovation driven by industry experts.
• Equal opportunity employer valuing diversity and inclusion.
• Market-competitive compensation and benefits with flexible working arrangements.