| About us We are a proud New Zealand Co-operative built by generations of farming whānau. We believe nutritious food is essential to sustain people today, and for future generations to thrive, which is why we challenge ourselves to find new ways to bring our dairy goodness to people around the world. At the Fonterra Research and Development Centre in Palmerston North, we know the smallest things can make a difference, so we research and develop products that delight our customers and consumers. Bringing together world class dairy products and the deep expertise of our people we work alongside – the passionate, talented and innovative food professionals who are driving innovation in the dairy industry. About the opportunity Category, Strategy & Innovation (CS&I) is responsible for setting the future direction of the Co-op and core dairy categories along with implementing that direction through product and portfolio positioning and the end-to-end delivery of innovation. The Consumer Science Manager leads the Consumer Science centre of excellence in Consumer and Sensory Sciences at the Fonterra Research and Development Centre (FRDC) and plays an important role in supporting Fonterra’s strategic direction and executing innovation initiatives, as well as strategically building and maintaining the subject matter expertise of the Consumer Science team to deliver to Fonterra’s future needs. The key accountabilities of the role are: Lead a team to provide the centre of excellence in Consumer and Sensory Sciences for Fonterra that supports the optimisation of existing business, the identification and commercialisation of new opportunities and increases Fonterra’s innovation success rate – Build and maintain the team’s technical capability and reputation as world-leading experts through adoption of core consumer science and sensory science principles – Create and sustain commercial value for Fonterra by driving end-user-led initiatives across our markets and global customer base that improve Fonterra’s innovation success rate. – Create a deeper level of insight and understanding of key end-user needs/problems and value drivers through cross functional engagement – Contribute to the assessment, valuation and prioritisation of market and customer opportunities – Take a Portfolio Management approach, co-ordinating with marketing, insights teams, technical and operations on initiatives and helping steer to success About you In this senior and highly visible role, your passion for the Consumer and Sensory Sciences will be given the chance to shine as you make a real impact across Fonterra. Ideally you will have a background in Consumer and Sensory Sciences and have honed your technical and business acumen in an international and complex food business. You will have experience developing and maintaining an empowering environment for your team to thrive in and deliver high performance. As an influencer in the business, you have a proven track record in stakeholder management ranging from senior technical experts to marketing and sales leaders, and global customers. You will demonstrate ability to inspire, influence, and lead the Consumer Science centre of excellence, and work collaboratively with partners across the business to achieve our targets. Key skills and experience: – Relevant degree e.g. Food Technology, Food Science, or Dairy – Post-graduate level research experience with a consumer science and sensory science focus is preferred – Strong stakeholder management skills – ability to influence and guide others – Strategic mindset, with proven ability to develop and implement strategy, particularly as it applies to innovation – Ability to mentor and guide a team of researchers and technical experts in a high performing team culture – Proven track record of delivering results in the food industry – Experience in new product and new technology development Our Story Whanaungatanga, our Co-operative spirit gives us all a common strength and purpose. Manaakitanga is how we care for all our people who are at the heart of what we do, we want our farmers, employees, customers and communities to thrive. Kaitiakitanga, ensures we take care of the land. We are committed to farming in a way that regenerates our farms and environment for future generations. Whakaohooho constantly inspires ourselves and each other with great career development opportunities and benefits. We enable flexibility and balance to suit everyone’s lifestyles and choices. Our Co-operative is a place where everyone can be themselves, feel empowered to do their best. For more details or to apply please click here or email tanja.lohr2@fonterra.com |