About the job
Are you seeking a new challenge in product development? Do you thrive in a technical role within the early life nutrition industry? We are delighted to present an exceptional opportunity for a Product Development Technologist to join our talented and dynamic R&D team in Auckland. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract opportunity. As a vital member of the team, you will leverage your expertise to ensure the successful end-to-end delivery of product development, focusing on manufacturing process optimization, nutritional powder formulation, and the seamless integration of these elements.
Reporting to the Product Development Manager, you will be responsible for delivering product development outputs and, where necessary, broader cross-functional projects. Your role will ensure timely and quality delivery that meets business expectations. You will be the crucial link between the R&D and the Operations team, facilitating the successful scale-up and commercialization of concept-based powder formulations in the plant. This includes stipulating operational and process specifications while meeting plant manufacturing KPIs.

Your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Drive optimisation in products & processes to achieve cost-effective recipe design, effective material selection, product optimization scalability, and use of zero-base mindset/ tools
• Provide support to operations in Auckland & Balclutha sites with ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting of existing product portfolios
• Support product development projects in the space of formulations, sourcing new ingredients, trials, and testing, and updating technical documents
• Lead the relevant part of the R&I module of China registration at NZSP, including stakeholder management in China and NZSP trials.
• Identify opportunities for productivity that create value for the business
• Ensure ongoing product and plant process performance monitoring, data collection, and analysis
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams for the effective execution of projects

About you
You are a seasoned product development technologist with a knack for cross-functional collaboration, robust technical expertise, an inclusive work style, and a flexible mindset. Your prior experience in the dynamic dairy and infant formula manufacturing sector, managing a technical portfolio, will be a significant asset. Your positive demeanor, approachability, and natural talent for building relationships, coupled with excellent people skills, make you an ideal fit for our team.

To be successful, you will also have:

• Tertiary qualification in Chemical Engineering/Food Science/Dairy Science/Life Science/Human Nutrition or related field
• Prior experience in a similar role within a dairy/infant formula industry is highly desired
• Good Excel and MS Office suite skills will be preferred
• Excellent communication skills – written and verbal
• Sound planning and organization skills with an ability to work with shifting priorities

About us

We truly value our Danoners and strive to make their experience exceptional by creating a positive and fulfilling environment for everyone. Our unique benefits are designed to enhance the lives and provide genuine value.

• A high-performing, collaborative team culture
• Flexible Hybrid working
• Thank Danone it’s Friday! 3pm finishes every Friday
• Diverse and inclusive work environment
• Personalised learning opportunities to set you up for success

• Competitive Total Reward package including

• • Health and Life insurance benefit
• 26 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave
• Employee Share Subscription Plan after 12 months of service
• Performance-related incentives and annual reviews

MORE ABOUT US:

At Danone, we aim to inspire healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices, in line with our Vision - Danone, One Planet. One Health. We operate across four business lines: Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products, Waters, and Specialised Nutrition. Our headquarters are in France, we have offices in 55 countries across the globe, and our products are sold in over 120 markets. We have been around for more than a century and are the proud owners of some of the best-known brands worldwide, including favorites like YoPro, Activia, Aptamil and Karicare
Danone ANZ focuses on dairy and specialized nutrition products for infants and adults and is proud to be awarded the Great Place to Work accreditation winner for ANZ in 2022, 2023 & 2024 – a globally recognised program where we feature as one of Australia’s top places to work.
Visit our website WE ARE DANONE to know more about us.

• Drive optimisation in products & processes to achieve cost-effective recipe design, effective material selection, product optimization scalability, and use of zero-base mindset/ tools
• Provide support to operations in Auckland & Balclutha sites with ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting of existing product portfolios
• Support product development projects in the space of formulations, sourcing new ingredients, trials, and testing, and updating technical documents
• Lead the relevant part of the R&I module of China registration at NZSP, including stakeholder management in China and NZSP trials.
• Identify opportunities for productivity that create value for the business
• Ensure ongoing product and plant process performance monitoring, data collection, and analysis
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams for the effective execution of project