Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/OUTCOMES

New Technology Development

• Develop or support the implementation of new product platforms through new scientific and Technology advancement.
• Working with Supply, Engineering, and Research Innovation & Compliance (RIC) Centre Of Excellence (COE) teams on the design of new processes and facilities and supporting the commissioning and qualification of new lines and facilities as needed.

Category Technical Leadership

• Provides VAB technical guidance, perspective, and information to both the RIC Innovation team and the local UK Business Unit.
• Staying abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends and applying to projects.
• Leveraging supplier innovation, seeking every opportunity to own the IP from the outset.
• Acting as a subject matter expert by sharing bakery and ingredient knowledge to help upskill and coach the local R+D team.

Customer NPD Delivery

• Acting as the Voice of the Customer in understanding the local BU customers’ NPD and innovation strategies and working with the sale and marketing teams to agree new product plans by channel / customer.
• Planning, managing and delivering new product development projects from concept to launch, meeting project deadlines.
• Understanding the complexity of both the recipe and assembly as it relates to the manufacturing process as well as the impact of the cost structure of the overall product.
• Managing the commercialization of allocated NPD project concept samples to factory trials and final customer approval.
• Managing the completion of all relevant customer documents relating to the delivery of allocated NPD and innovation projects.
• Working with Procurement to source new raw materials where necessary and ensuring that MOQ’s, lead time and food safety support the product feasibility.
• Presentation of new product concepts internally and to customers.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

Critical

• A minimum of 8 - 10 years NPD experience within the value added bakery category
• Experience of implementing the NPD process from concept to launch

Desirable

• Degree educated or equivalent in a food science or culinary disciple
• Proven Technical leadership roles within R&D teams

Rich Products Corporation welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process

A hands on role working within a dedicated and innovative R&D team driving business growth through the delivery of innovation and NPD in Value Added Bakery (VAB). This role will support the delivery of customer focused innovation projects manufactured in the Andover bakery and will also work with the local Business Unit and supply chain in identifying and designing the process for new capabilities.
The role will be recognised as a subject matter expert within the VAB category and will proactively build technical capabilities to meet the needs of the evolving and growing business.