Senior Development Technologist

Job Description
Are You Ready to Make an Impact at RSSL?
Join Our Mission to Transform Lives Through Science, Innovation and Collaboration
At Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL), we lead the way in scientific analysis, research, consultancy, and training. We provide services to the food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods industries, as well as our parent company, Mondelez International. RSSL is dedicated to delivering world-class scientific solutions and outstanding customer service.
Recognised for our excellence, we were awarded CRO of the Year at the 2023 OBN Awards, adding to our previous accolades Employer of the Year, Enlightened Employer and Women in Business.
If you are passionate about driving innovation and making a real impact, RSSL is the place for you!
Purpose:
This role supports the external business, Reading Scientific Services Limited (RSSL), and the Reading Science Centre (RSC) for MDLZ-related research. It is based in the Food Sciences Product Development team.
This position will be based primarily at the Reading site. However, it may be expected that the job holder may be required to travel either within the UK or overseas.
RSSL provides a range of investigative, analytical, research, and consultancy services to both Mondelēz and the food and pharmaceutical industries. You will contribute to this by providing support to the Food Sciences Product Development department and fulfilling RSSL / RSC's business objectives. You will be accountable for supporting product development and ingredient evaluation projects in conjunction with a small project team, developing business opportunities & keeping abreast of scientific developments in your field. The job is accountable for executing the Food Sciences Product Development strategy, supporting the promotion of the team's capabilities and delivering against the P&L contract.
Primary Accountabilities / Responsibilities:
Technical

• Manage product and ingredient development projects on behalf of MDLZ and RSSL external business clients. Project management accountabilities include - managing all communications, leading project initiation meetings, writing proposals, and issuing quotations. Scheduling practical work and moving to pilot plant scale and factory trials as dictated by the objectives of each project.
• Account management of selected clients, acting as the primary contact, developing existing and new business. External portfolio to include existing clients and new clients as dictated by incoming enquiries.
• Lead the implementation of aspects of the Food Sciences Product Development strategy and promotion of our capabilities within Mondelez and to our external clients.
• Increase awareness of the Food Sciences Product Development team capabilities throughout Mondelez.
• Provide technical direction within the team, including support on formulations and ingredient functionality
• Be proficient in the use of generic and specific software packages required for the role inc. Q-Pulse, LIMS etc.

Communication & leadership

• Lead multiple projects with minimal supervision. Projects will typically cover several product categories.
• Liase with project stakeholders or external clients to ensure effective communication of progress throughout the project. Prepare and deliver project results and reports and deliver presentations as required.
• This role has no direct line management accountability but as an experienced member of the Product Development Team the role holder will have responsibility for development of junior members through coaching, training and development.

QEHS

• Work to the highest standards of food safety and quality by ensuring that appropriate COSHHs, risk assessments and SOPs are understood and followed.
• Write SOPs and Risk Assessments as required.
• Maintain a clean, tidy and safe working environment in accordance with Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure training records are accurate.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Language Requirements

• BSc/MSc/PhD in food related discipline/biochemistry
• Good understanding of food ingredients, product development and formulation, food manufacture and related disciplines
• Highly effective project management capabilities, thorough and detailed approach
• Motivator; must be aware of own personal impact and ability to influence
• Results-focused, aware of impact on sales and P&L
• Technically competent in formulation and manufacture of major food groups
• Adaptable, flexible approach to dynamic environment - can effectively manage unpredictable situations
• Adaptable, flexible approach to dynamic environment - can effectively manage unpredictable situations
• Proven experience in food product design or development, technical sales, applications development or research
• Experience of using range of different media to communicate output of projects, written reports, presentations, telephone, telepresence and face to face meetings
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and effective communication to and management of stakeholders
• English fluency (written and spoken)

More about this role
In return for your commitment, drive and enthusiasm, we offer an attractive benefits package within a highly successful international business that offers financial rewards and resources, including:

• Opportunities to learn and develop
• Performance Related Bonus scheme
• Contributory pension (between 8% to 11% employer contribution)
• Life assurance
• 27 days holiday allowance (possibility to buy 5 extra days) + bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• A flexible benefits programme (Gym discounts, private health insurance, restaurant discounts, etc)

No Relocation support available
Business Unit Summary
Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) is a cutting-edge contract research organisation (CRO), providing research, analysis and consultancy to the food, consumer goods and life science sectors. Whether we are creating new products, validating medicines or solving investigations, we take pride in being a leader in our field, serving clients from across 70 countries. Enriched by our parent company, Mondelēz International, our team are committed to transforming lives through science, innovation and collaboration.
Curious about us and want to learn more?
Please explore: Website YouTube LinkedIn Glassdoor
RSSL is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
#RSSL
Job Type
Regular
Product development
Science & Engineering