Technical Project Manager

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives with our high-quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all – a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment.  As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values, we pride ourselves to be listed among the World´s Most Ethical Companies since 16 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do – acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation, and treating each other with trust and respect.

The role:

The purpose of the position is to focus on New Product Development and required technology. The position covers the following elements:

• Collaboration in the creation of MES documents (Manufacturing Equipment Study) as part of the NPD process (New Product Launches)
• Development and evaluation of mixing processes for new products
• Assessment of technical and capacity risks of planned new product launches, modifications, launches/relaunches related to mixing processes
• Evaluation and qualification of new mixing equipment to ensure process efficiency, scalability, and product quality
• Drawing up project plans and coordinating and implementing them for the introduction of new products with the help of cross-departmental resources
• Carrying out mixing trials for the final clarification of technical requirements for the introduction of new products
• Control and communication of project progress to plant management, technical team leader, and customers (Kao USA / Japan) and initiation of measures

What you will do:

1. New Product Development & Process Feasibility – Develop and evaluate mixing processes for new products, assessing technical feasibility, and capacity risks and performing scale up batches in the pilot plant. (30%)
2. Mixing Equipment Qualification & Validation – Finalize the evaluation, qualification, and validation of recently installed new mixing equipment to ensure process efficiency, product quality, and compliance with technical requirements. (15%)
3. Cross-Functional Project Management – Plan, coordinate, and implement new product launches, working with cross-departmental teams. This includes close collaboration with R&D and filling counterparts to ensure processability and efficiency in mixing as well as filling. Qualification of products at third party manufacturers is also part of the product launch process. (25%)
4. Process Optimization & Cost Efficiency – Monitor and improve mixing processes to enhance quality, productivity, and efficiency while ensuring adherence to budget and cost targets. (20%)
5. Technical Innovation & Industry Monitoring – Stay updated on advancements in mixing technology, evaluating their applicability and driving continuous improvement initiatives. (10%)          

What you will need:

• University degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent degree in Engineering
• 3-5 years professional experience preferably in FMCG, food or similar industry
• Experience in project management
• Effective in communication and stakeholder management skills
• Pragmatism, hands-on, decisiveness and coordination skills
• Team player
• Good knowledge of MS Office.
• Good knowledge of SAP is an advantage.
• Negotiation skills is an advantage
• German language skills would be beneficial but aren't required 
• Occasional international travel is required

How we work: Having been selected among the World´s Most Ethical Companies for 16 consecutive years, we are a company with a purpose and strong corporate values. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. At Kao, each employee can actively shape their job and their career. We work collaboratively to achieve our common goals, always aiming to deliver the best for our customers.

What we offer: A friendly and flexible work environment with competitive salaries, benefits package, ongoing development and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results. At Kao your voice will be heard. Your opinion really counts. We believe that change comes from taking opportunities into your own hands, so we value and reward entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.

Hiring Process: Kao embraces the diversity and the individual personalities of its people because we believe it is diversity that makes us strong. This is why we welcome applications from all areas of the global community. 

Want to learn more: If you feel you are as unique as our products and want to find out why 33,000 people across the globe opted for a career with us please visit our Americas website (https://www.kao.com/americas/en/) or EMEA website (https://www.kao.com/emea/en/)

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