Our client is one of leading companies in the frozen food sector in Croatia and the region. In over 30 years of business, they have specialized in the production, processing, storage and distribution of frozen food. Their business-production-storage facility covers an area of 8,500 m 2 and is located in Konjščina and employs 180 people. In order to expand their business, they are expanding the team with a position Head / Manager of Research and Development (R&D).

Frozen products in the client's own brand as well as in customer brands are produced in a technologically modern production facility, applying the highest standards of food safety and quality. They are positioned on the market as a reliable partner of international retail chains in Croatia, but equally in the EU market and other foreign markets. They are also present in the HoReCa segment as a partner to distributors in Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Serbia.

Main responsibilities:

1. Research and innovation

• Monitoring of the market of frozen food products
• Research of customer needs in the HORECA and retail segment
• Research of new technologies and methods for food production and packaging, new ingredients, etc.
• Development of innovative and competitive products according to market trends and customer needs
• Cooperation with external partners and participation in fairs and conferences

2. Managing new product development projects

• Planning, organization and management of the process of research and development of new products in all phases (from the idea, creating a concept, conducting testing and trial production, defining the production flow and technological procedures, cost and production calculations, trial placement on the market and analysis of feedback, to the introduction of a new product into regular production and evaluation of market success
• Solving technical, operational, production and performance problems during the research and development process
• Ensuring compliance of new products with legal regulations and certificates.
• Coordination with relevant departments (sales, purchasing, production, quality control, etc.)

3. Improvement of existing products and technological procedures

• Improvement of existing products (recipe, packaging, cost calculations, etc.)
• Product improvement based on consumer feedback and market analysis

4. Managing the research and development department

• Creating research and development plans and coordinating them with Management and other departments
• Reporting to the Management Board on progress and achievements
• Team management and cooperation with other departments
• Creation of relevant documentation related to research and development (specifications, recipes, reports on
  tests, analyses, etc.)

5. Development of partnerships and cooperation

• Developing and maintaining relationships with suppliers of raw materials, ingredients, packaging, technological solutions
• Participation in the negotiation of the terms of procurement of raw materials and equipment for research and development

Required competencies:

• 5 years of experience in food production and development
• Advanced knowledge of the retail and HORECA food markets
• Advanced knowledge of food production and packaging technology
• Advanced technological and culinary knowledge related to the production of ready-made meals, etc.
• Knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP, IFS, etc.)
• Computer skills (Microsoft Office – Outlook, Excel, Word, Power point)

What we can offer:

• Work for an indefinite period, with trial work
• Opportunity for personal and professional growth and development
• Working in a dynamic environment
• Competitive income in accordance with existing competencies and achieved business results
• Opportunity for advancement

Your CV for the position of Head / Manager of Research and Development (R&D) and you can send mirjana@talenx.hr or register using the form below.