Own Brand Product Technologist

Musgrave Group; Cork; Hybrid; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Career development opportunities

Equal opportunities employer

Accommodations on request

Job summary

Musgrave invites a Product Technologist to join our Own Brand team in a pivotal role focused on developing and launching leading retail and wholesale products across food and non-food categories. You will ensure products are technically safe, compliant, and commercially viable while working with Product Developers and Trading Managers.

With a background in Food Technology or related field and at least five years in FMCG, you will manage specifications, labels, and packaging, collaborate

Qualifications

• Five years hands-on FMCG/food manufacturing experience in Development/Quality/Technical.
• Experience completing retailer specifications on computerised specification systems.
• Knowledge of legal labels and approving product labels.
• Excellent communication, influencing and project management skills.
• The ability to work individually and in cross-functional teams.
• Outstanding attention to detail and interest in food trends.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with suppliers to meet specifications and packaging standards.
• Ensure Own Brand products meet consumer expectations and quality.
• Maintain online product specifications and approvals before market release.
• Ensure 100% compliance with policies and legislation.
• Adhere to stage gate product development processes.
• Understand business priorities and support cost-reduction goals.
• Coordinate with design for packs and artwork review.
• Work with Sourcing to approve supplier base for products.
• Benchmark market trends and identify improvement opportunities.
• Support sustainable packaging initiatives aligned with targets.
• Maintain liaison with Quality re supplier audits and issue resolution.

Skills

Retailer specs

Product labeling

Communication

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Attention to detail

Sustainable packaging

Education

Third level degree in Food Technology/Science/Business

Tools

Computerised specification systems

Job description

Join Musgrave – A Legacy of Innovation, Community, and Excellence

Musgrave is one of Europe’s most successful family-owned businesses, with a rich 150-year legacy in food and brand innovation. We`re proud to serve communities across Ireland and Spain, feeding one in three people every day through 19 iconic brands like SuperValu, Centra, Mace, Frank and Honest, and Musgrave MarketPlace. By supporting thousands of retail and foodservice family businesses, we make a positive impact on the communities they serve. We`re committed to becoming the most trusted and sustainable business in Ireland, and we`re looking for dynamic, forward-thinking individuals to join us on this journey.

Product Technologist to join our Own Brand team.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant Own Brand Team that develops and markets leading retail and wholesale Own Brand products, both food and non-food, including SuperValu, Centra and Musgrave Excellence brands. The role involves working closely with Product Developers and Trading Managers to launch award winning products across a broad range of categories.

Working within a team of technical professionals, you will ensure current and Innovative products are technically safe and legal with the correct specifications, and all internal guidelines and policies are adhered to. To succeed in this role, you will need a food technology/science background and be able to apply your knowledge in a commercially aware way.

What you’ll be doing:

• Working closely with suppliers to ensure new and existing Own Brand Products meet agreed specifications and quality standards for both product and packaging.
• Ensuring all Own Brand Products are consistently delivering for the consumer while meeting the agreed standards for the product.
• Manage and maintain online product specifications (Zoom) to ensure all new and existing products developed are fully approved before release onto the market.
• Ensuring 100% compliance with all policies and legislation
• Adherence with stage gate product development process
• Developing a clear and concise understanding of the business priorities and playing a vital part in delivering the guiding principle of lowest cost
• Liaise with design team to review and approve on pack design/artwork.
• Work closely with Sourcing department to approve supplier base for new and existing products.
• Understanding the market through regular benchmarking, identifying opportunities for product or process improvement for Musgrave range.
• Support suppliers & product developer in implementation of best-in-class sustainable packaging solutions in line with the Musgrave packaging targets.
• Maintain communication with Quality department re supplier audit status and ensure any technical issues are managed appropriately and all stakeholders are kept informed.

What we are looking for:

• A Third level degree in Food Technology, Food Science or Food Business or similar relevant course
• 5 years hands on experience in the FMCG sector/food manufacturing environment in a transferable role such as Development/Quality/ Technical.
• Experience of completing retailer specifications on computerised specification systems
• Legal labels knowledge, experience of approving product labels
• Excellent communication and influencing skills as well as project management skills with a proven record of same
• The ability to work individually, as well as part of a large, cross functional team
• Outstanding attention to detail
• Passionate about food and understanding latest trends

Functional hands on experience in:

• Computerised specification systems
• Legislation, legal labels, product specifications
• Quality systems e.g. BRC Standard, HACCP systems, Allergen control, ETC
• Project management and planning
• Supplier and product selection
• Product quality optimisation
• Process oriented, required to demonstrate strong organisational, analytical, communication and negotiation skills.
• Product development skills and experience would be advantageous.

Why Musgrave:

Career Development: With a commitment to your personal and professional growth, Musgrave offers numerous opportunities for advancement and learning.
Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a passionate team, where your contributions will make a significant impact
Innovation Focus: Be part of a company that values forward-thinking solutions
Community Focus: Be part of a company that truly values its communities and strives to make a positive impact.
Be Part of a Legacy: Join a company with a long-standing commitment to community and innovation.

Musgrave is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from diverse candidates. If we can make any accommodations to enable you to be the best version of yourself during the interview, please let us know.

Musgrave operate a Work Smart hybrid working model where you can alternate your time between connecting and collaborating in the business and working remotely.