Specialist NPD

Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream•Bakersfield, CA

About The Position

Provide new product development technical leadership for innovation and renovation projects for the ice cream business. The role serves as the technical and project management lead on project teams driving delivery of the “Innovation & Renovation”, “Buy Better”, “Factory support”, “Quality improvement” “Alternative supply” and “Vertical Integration” projects. Ensures that all the products are developed and handed over effectively to run efficiently in the factories. The New Product Development Technologist provides product & process knowledge and support to the factories to solve technical issues and drive continuous improvement.

Requirements

Specified product development 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 and structure
Hit rate achieved as per PDP on concept to launch in order to optimize the cost of development
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
All issues relating to assigned project portfolio (I&R, Buy Better, Factory Support etc.).
Guidance and possible mentorship of more junior technologist’s development technicians in the team
Responsible for clear communication between NPD and cross-functional project team members
All issues relating to development documentation – ‘right first time’ development
All issues relating to product development process including the manufacture of pilot plant concepts.
Ensure a high level of attention to detail in all work that is done

Responsibilities

Implementation of Innovation & Renovation projects for the supported product categories in the Market from brief to Factory handover.
Lead, Scope, and Drive project team, utilizing project management tools, to achieve project goals, respect factory capabilities, keep to deadlines to ultimately delight the consumer.
Perform product & process development activities (e.g. mockup, bench top, pilot plant, distribution testing, and internal/external factory testing) to achieve project goals and deadlines.
Completion of costs, concept and technical dossier forms and ensures technical and commercial sign-off.
Assure accuracy and a timely hand-over of new product documentation to the factory team to allow for a successful industrialization.
Ensure that specifications are complete and available, and that the product technical dossier is 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
Introduction of new processes within the factories and manufacturers.
Collaborate (marketing, factories, Procurement, Material suppliers, etc.) in a team environment to develop, industrialize, and launch new products, quality improvements, compliance, and efficient cost savings.
Continuously improve/optimize current product and processes within factories and external co-manufacturers according to local business needs and supply situation.
Ensure adherence to all regulatory, legal and company standards. Align with Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream requirements (includes Nutritional Requirement and Sustainability), external standards, and local regulatory framework.
Work closely with internal procurement teams, and technical to ensure all new materials don’t add additional complexity and / risk and or waste to the factory
Continuous improvement of technical skills and personal development, while growing internal and external networks.
Develop expertise for product/process mastership within NPD. Develop the proficiencies required for product/process mastership to be able to support our factory operations. Provide mentorship and input to Associate NPD team members and Operations.
Provide first line support to factories. Ensure knowledge transfer related to product/process mastership to eliminate the root cause of assistance requests
Ensure attendance at the team and factory DRM meetings and ensure feedback escalated where required to the NPD team
Has a strong knowledge of ice cream Raw materials, Recipe, product and process across the factories (Factory experience, Pilot plant, formalized learning and mentorship programs)
Supporting the implementation and maintenance of the CRQS programs across the brands and into the factories