The Customer R&D Manager acts as the face of the customer by advising customers on applications and the choice of the right product suitable for their setup. Acting as the link between Sales and Operations the Customer R&D Manager ensures that technical support to a new product development or adjustment of a process or recipe is given. The Customer R&D Manager drives the full product development process, being responsible for the management of the different steps and the internal stakeholder alignment. The holder of this position also creates new market opportunities by preparing innovation and inspiration sessions for the customer with chocolate chefs or baristas in our BC Academy.
Responsibilities:
- Project Management: Lead and manage complex new product development projects from theoretical recipe to lab prototype and industrial product for internal and external clients. Ensure full project follow-up and completion of necessary project documents, including recipe creation. Drive complete project from concept to commercialisation.
- Project Leadership: Provide guidance and direction to the R&D product experts and technologists, fostering a collaborative and highperforming team environment. Translate technical learnings and insights into commercial opportunities. Lead also customer projects for PDI or innovations with our Product Experts and Innovation people.
- Technical Expertise: Offer necessary technical support and expertise to vendors, customers, operations and quality when productrelated problems occur. Advise the sales team on technical and application matters. Provide assistance to all departments as needed regarding technical issues related to confectionery product manufacturing.
- Customer Engagement: Actively participate in customer visits and plant trials, providing technical expertise and support to drive successful customer projects.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Actively participate in various projects of the Research and Development team, maintaining close interaction with Sales, Operations, Quality, Sourcing and cocoa R&D within the country or region.
- Customer Relations: Serve as the key technical contact for the customer, building strong relationships and effectively communicating project updates, technical recommendations, and solutions.
- Market Development: Identify and pursue new market opportunities by providing technical support and insights to existing and potential customers.
- Project Documentation: Oversee, ensure and complete accurate and comprehensive project follow-up, documentation, including recipe creation.
Qualifications:
- 5+ years of work experience
- Industry knowledge: Knowledge of, or interest in baking, frozen, and confectionery applications. Relevant experience in the food industry is an asset; knowledge of food safety, hygiene and worker safety.
- Experience in Project Management
- Experience in various interactions with Sales and customers (training, customer visit, and customer sessions)
- Computer Skills: Proficient use of Microsoft tools (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). SAP and Salesforce knowledge is a plus
- Interpersonal skills: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and contribute to brainstorming, problem-solving, and decisionmaking discussions.
- Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing priorities, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines and take initiative.
- Communication skills: Very good verbal communication skills and is well organized and resourceful. Should be confortable in talking in public and be persuasive.
- Fluent Business English
Scope & additional information:
- Role based in Kageröd, Sweden to support the global expansion of processed powders
- Supporting the global growth of beverages in collaboration with the Key Account team
- Travel requirements: 10-20%
- Handling of various stakeholders: Sales, Production, QA, and Supply chain as well as Sourcing to thrive product development and ensure implementation of the chosen recipe