MANAGER, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Position Overview.
The Manager, Product Development has full responsibility over a set of projects for a given category those could be either Innovation, Regulatory or Superior Product Experience (Quality Improvement) programs.
This role can also act as an enabler of the Productivity and Business Continuity Programs.
It integrates the former responsibilities of the GDI Category Leader, Product Development, and Innovation & Experimentation (Commercialization).
It is part of this role deliver projects with a high degree of technical robustness, as well as managing the Commercialization timeline of the project.
Function Related Activities/Key Responsibilities.
Lead commercialization process for the market implementation of new product launches and product reformulations by working collaboratively and networking with all the necessary functions while ensuring compliance with KO standards and policies/ local regulation for the entire OU.
Own the project timeline, manage and co-ordinate interactions among several entities (R&D, CPS, G2G, marketing, finance, technical and Bottling partners) to ensure effective process in place for each initiative as agreed standards and timelines.
Leads project meetings within the category, cross-functionally with marketing, customer management or technical groups.
Responsible for designing product development approach, for elaborating project plan and for disciplined project execution.
Delivers complex new product launches or product reformulations, from desk and benchtop level up to pilot and industrial scaling up, with a high degree of autonomy.
Recommend validated product solutions with an informed defined risk and formula cost analysis.
Responsible to develop set of specifications.
Ingredient, Formula, Processing and Manufacturing Instructions (MMI), shelf-life recommendations.
Participates in team projects, cross-functional committees, or company-wide initiatives to share information, represent the GDI function perspective, or assist with product development, process modification, package development and marketing.
Drafts detailed & accurate reports for analyses, experiments, or projects.
Gathers and organizes information under tight timelines to support senior management's decision-making.
Connects with Global R&D (research & development) Teams to align on priorities, project scope and resources to support the Latin America plans.
This role is an individual contributor.
Create and contribute to a collaborative network relationship among peers and leads by influencing more junior developers.
Expected to become role-model of the function.
Proper, timely and effective communication is key to this role’s success.
internally with the R&D network, the OU’s Extended Category Team, global communities and externally with suppliers, partners, and associations.
Education Requirements.
Technical knowledge and experience in food/beverage industry.
Project Management   Knowledge on Supply chain and Quality    Knowledge on product development process and the ability to contribute expertise.
Related Work Experience.
3-5 years of deep knowledge and relevant experience in Research and Development roles and/or knowledge on Commercialization roles.
Experience integrating end-to-end technical scopes for innovation projects.
Knowledge of expanded Technical Functions as Supply Chain, Quality, SRA, etc.
Functional Skills.
GDI Project Execution & Management Project Commercialization Ensure technical diligence and robustness on each project.
Skills Product Development; Leadership; Design Thinking (Innovation Solutions); Continual Improvement Process; Sensory Processing; Marketing; Project Management; Food Sciences; Food Technology; Communication; Laboratory Testing; Data Compilation; Research Development; Food Safety Management; Business