R&D Senior Technologist - FTC

R&D Senior Technologist (New Platforms - Proteins)

Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny

12 Month fixed term contract

Tirlán

Tirlán, is a world-class food and nutrition co-operative, with a diverse portfolio of quality ingredients, leading consumer and agri brands.

Tirlán owns leading brands such as Avonmore, Kilmeaden Cheese, Millac, Solmiko, Truly Grass Fed, Premier Milk, Wexford, mymilkman.ie and GAIN Animal Nutrition.

A talented team across Ireland, the US, MEA and China, delivers annual revenues of over €3 billion. Our purpose is to nourish the world, while safeguarding our environment for future generations.

Overview 
Based in Ballyragget & reporting to the Head of New Platforms, the Senior Technologist will manage and deliver projects designed to develop, test and validate value-add next generation protein ingredients for Tirlán’s customers.

Working within the R&D department, but with key contacts in Commercial, Operations, Quality and the external ecosystem, this individual will support the development of projects focused on value-add, innovation, new product & process development.

This role requires an experienced technologist with strong protein chemistry knowledge, analytical and technical laboratory skills, commercial awareness and experience of pilot scale dairy processing.

This role will involve direct liaison with all internal departments and relevant external organisations to co-ordinate and drive the completion of all activities in the development process from brief through to full production.

Responsibilities

• Research, concept generation, assessment and commercialisation of next generation protein ingredients that fits with Tirlán’s strategy;
• Technical lead in supporting new business development for next generation ingredient innovation;
• Research technologies which can add value or improve efficiencies within existing ingredient operations and liase with key stakeholder to assess their viability;
• Research next generation technologies and assess their suitability at lab and pilot scale;
• Work closely with external research suppliers and institutes to identify new technologies and processes which could add value to Tirlan;
• Ability to take initiative for development on next generation ingredients for Tirlan;
• To assist with R&D and stakeholders to develop new and existing opportunities to realise maximum value for Tirlan;
• Drive for results and encourage an atmosphere of excellence in achieving robust and sustainable solutions for our protein business, through working with business development operations and third - party manufacturers;
• Conduct lab, benchtop and pilot plant experiments and trials to evaluate concepts and assess in product formulations or manufacturing process;
• Evaluate product performance in model systems and various end-use applications at lab & pilot scale;
• Ability to organize, execute, manage, and document all pilot and plant trials in compliance with all R&D procedures;
• Review product and process trials against objectives and promptly report to stakeholders on outcomes and next steps;
• Progress projects through Tirlán’s NPD process, adhering to agreed timelines for product sign off, line trials & data submission to customers;
• Drive or support plant capability & manufacturing optimisation projects;
• Liaise with cross-functional teams to problem solve and carry out commercial trials;
• Develop good working relationships with key stakeholders, suppliers & customers;
• Keep technically abreast of relevant developments in the field and promote synergies with other core ingredients in Tirlán’s portfolio.

Requirements

• Science based qualification in food science, food technology, protein chemistry, biochemistry, process technology - Masters / PhD level is an advantage;
• 5+ year’s relevant technical experience in a value-added dairy ingredients business, or related FMCG based organisation;
• Protein chemistry, functionality, analytical and processing technology experience at pilot or commercial scale;

Competencies

• Demonstrate excellence in project management and aptitude for planning and delivering projects to completion on time and within budget;
• Cross-functional team player capable of liaising with several functions within the business;
• Good communication, presentation, stakeholder management & influencing skills;
• Problem solving and ability to deal with ambiguity;
• Proactive and self-driven;
• Drive for results;
• Customer Focused;
• Attention to detail;
• Ability to distil down complexity;

We offer

• Onsite parking incl. EV charging;
• Collaborative work culture;
• Career progression opportunities.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
We believe in the value of difference. We know that different perspectives, life experience and backgrounds can drive innovation and deliver growth.

We welcome people from all walks of life without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, or disability status. 

Join our Talent Pool

Considering a new career in Tirlán but this isn’t the role for you? Join our talent community and sign up for job notifications at www.tirlan.com/careers

Tirlán is a Values Based Organisation