Associate Principal Scientist - Chocolate (M/F/X)

Job Description
Are You Ready to Make It Happen at Mondelēz International?
Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It With Pride.
This is a newly created role for a Cote d'Or MEU R&D Lead, with responsibility across chocolate platforms (tablets, pralines, countlines and seasonals) and project types within the MEU chocolate R&D team. This is a strategic BU role, who will work alongside the existing CDO (Cote d'Or) SME. It will have no direct reports and work will be executed predominantly through existing MEU resources.
As a leader in RDQ, you will develop and ensure the cohesive execution of clear and connected strategies across the total MEU chocolate business for the Cote D'Or brand. You will work in partnership with x- functional and R&D leads, leveraging the appropriate technical resources, such as the CDO TCE (Technical Chocolate Expert) and other experts in cocoa, mass development, mould and product design, PPA strategies, Geo expansion strategies etc. This role is of critical importance to the organization, and will regularly interact with senior management (Directors, VP's) so clear and professional communication is a must have. You will apply your broad technical knowledge and keen commercial sense, to identify, define and solve complex business problems, building the CDO portfolio strategy, championing the best consumer experience together with R&D MEU R&D LT.
How you will contribute
You will develop project objectives and strategies independently in response to business needs, and integrate inputs from other functional areas to drive towards solutions. You will solve complex problems and get things done through both formal and informal channels. You will significantly impact the direction/quality of work done by other technical people and deliver expert technical knowledge, representing the function. You will interact regularly with key stakeholders and may direct the activities of junior professionals and/or temporary staff while completing assignments.
You will plan, conduct and execute high complexity projects, and work independently with limited management direction, leveraging internal and external resources as collaborators.
You will provide R&D leadership for Cote d'Or (and potentially other platforms and brands in the MEU region) in cooperation with Tablets, Pralines & Seasonal and the C&B platforms in the MEU Chocolate Category (Growth, QI, Brand Maintenance), but will also participate in projects including BCP, Margin & Productivity. You will do all of this via:

• Development of new products in line with consumer centric design
• Development of processes capable of consistently producing the intended design
• Improvement of quality through value added design
• Costs reduction of non-value added elements
• Maintenance and development of brand equity assets

What you will bring

• Working as part of a cross-functional team you lead the RDQ activities required to complete new product development and maintain portfolios and/or productivity projects keeping in mind the goal to deliver the desired consumer experience.
• You are an excellent written and verbal communicator across various levels and functions, with the ability to combine technical rigor and commercial acumen.
• You are an internally recognized expert in product development (ideally with chocolate experience), who is of critical importance to the organization and is sought out by colleagues as an advisor in their field.
• You are a strong technical contributor to the development of cross-platform, strategic plans and initiatives, who keeps current on developments inside and outside the company.
• You are an idea leader to drive innovation into the business and solve complex technical and business challenges.

More about this role
What you need to know about this position:
Associate Principal Scientist role requires some limited work in Pilot Plant (mainly achieved through others), travel, meetings with suppliers, main stakeholders, and the responsibility for the commercialization of NPD's (50/50 with Operations) alongside the strategic elements.
What extra ingredients you will bring:
A self-starter with a collaborative and can-do attitude, great communication and a willingness to learn and connect the dots.
Education / Certifications / Experience:

• Higher Education in Food Technology, Chemistry or Food Engineering (scientific degree would be advantage) with significant associated business experience.
• 8-10 years experience in any of the following: Product or packaging development/management, Process Engineer, CS or CI&S in Food Industry.

Languages: Fluent English is required, other European languages as a benefit
Job specific requirements:

• Exceptional Communicator: Excellent oral and written communications skills, capable of influencing diverse audiences
• Has the ability to translate technical details to non-technical functions
• Creativity and ability to innovate
• Collaborative Influence: Proven ability to navigate different perspectives, negotiate effectively, and influence stakeholders at all levels in different countries and functions
• Problem Solver: High problem-solving acumen combined with creative thinking
• Ability to build internal networks beyond R&D
• Ability to Leverages external resources and proactive in Innovation Excellence
• Role model for the R&D community, active Mentor of Junior talent

Travel requirements: 20%, hybrid model of work
Relocation Support Available?
No Relocation support available
Business Unit Summary
We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply!
Our people make all the difference in our succes
Mondelēz International is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Excited to grow your career?
We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply!
IF YOU REQUIRE SUPPORT TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION OR DURING THE INTERVIEW PROCESS, PLEASE CONTACT THE RECRUITER
Job Type
Regular
Product development
Science & Engineering