R&D Packaging Specialist MuSe CT10/H

JDE Research and Development Center (R&D) is part of the Global JDE organisation. R&D is the major contributor to developing innovative coffee and tea products and is constantly optimising the product portfolio. The focus of R&D is both on building Technology Platforms (TP) and on New Product Development (NPD). Moreover, some disciplines within R&D have a strong involvement in JDE business and are leading in decisions to be made. Projects are mostly carried out together with Marketing, Operation and Purchase Departments.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The R&D Packaging Category Specialist is responsible for leading the development of packaging material specifications required by our coffee products to meet the needs and expectations of our consumers and customers. These technical specifications are the key outcome of the packaging development process, which consist on a series of tests and validations that assure all the packaging solutions developed will comply with food safety regulations, internal quality criteria, legal requirements but also manufacturing efficiency and sustainability guidelines.

Among the key activities to be performed,

• Represent the team in medium to high complexity project meetings, to provide input and contribute with risk assessment execution, timeline building, budget drafting, tasks update and flagging potential risks.
• Plan, align and execute Plant Trials in our factories and co-manufacturers according to JDE guidelines, in the Netherlands and outside.  
• Technical Drawing preparation as per JDE standards and AW Approval.
• Maintain up to date specifications in JDE’s internal system.
• Assure all the documents related to pack materials regulations and sustainability are available and added to the specs before official launch.
• Collaborate with New Product Development, Renovation, Geo- Expansion, Quality Improvement, Value optimization, Sustainability and Business Contingency projects, as per roadmap aligned by the category.
• Conduct laboratory tests internally or externally, as well as developing testing methods when required.
• Lead shelf life evaluations for packaging led projects.
• Close collaboration with wider JDE cross-functional teams (e.g. procurement, operations and marketing) leading technical input and where relevant to push the category forward.
• Establish a network with existing Suppliers, plus develop new Suppliers in conjunction with Procurement. Maintain contact with Suppliers on a regular basis to ensure supplier understands and meets JDE technical requirements and timings.
• Being able to perform on a diverse group with different nationalities and contribute with JDE’s efforts to build a great place to work.
• Keep a growing mindset by constantly seeking for new ideas relevant to Coffee packaging, driving forward strategically relevant innovations, including materials improvements, processes to aid cost savings and improve efficiency.