RD&A Senior Scientist Raw Materials Category Manager

About Kerry

About the role

RDA Senior Scientist-Raw Materials reports to the North American RDA Manager-Raw Materials and is the technical owner of the following raw material categories: herbs, spices, vegetables, sauces, stocks, marinades, vinegars, dips & soup, salt, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). This role will be accountable for the management of the raw material lifecycle through category optimization on a regional/global level to reduce SKU count, identify essential core ingredients and savings. The RDA Senior Scientist-Raw Materials is also expected to provide technical support, approval, and recommendations to RDA and other key stakeholders as needed.  This position works cross functionally with regulatory, food safety, category buyers, supply chain, site quality, RDA, and finance teams. 

Key responsibilities

• Manage the regional raw material portfolio for the following categories: herbs, spices, vegetables, sauces, stocks, marinades, vinegars, dips & soup, salt, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). 
• Utilize technical and project management skills to create cross-functional teams, identify category needs, and classify materials according to usage, functionality, and spend. 
• Support raw material set up for Kerry RDA, including acquisitions and their integration. 
• Support the standardization of specifications, descriptions, and codes to meet regional requirements and adherence to global standards.
• Complete food safety assessments and communicate with vendors to meet Kerry’s food safety requirements. 
• Support the RDA function through fielding project needs from concept through commercialization, including optimization and troubleshooting.
• Assist RDA on material technical questions and sourcing opportunities 
• Strong RDA resource for problem solving – i.e. – supply chain issues, supplier quality issues, etc. 
• Ability to understand Kerry processes and assist in troubleshooting with RDA teams. 
• Coordinate supplier collaboration opportunities with Procurement/RDA representatives through presentations technical, innovation, and culinary based. 
• Manage the technical relationship with our suppliers and assist with RDA engagement when working on maintenance & new sourcing needs. 
• Vital team member to Kerry’s cost optimization program and supporting technical projects for raw materials and coordination with the RDA teams. 

Qualifications and skills

1.- BS in Food Science, Quality, Safety, Environmental Sciences. 
2.- MS in Food Science/Engineering or related field.
3.- 5+ years applicable food processing technology expertise and statistical process experience. 
4.- Strong background in food chemistry, sensory, and food engineering.
5.- Experience in multiple technologies & end use markets a plus.
6.- Ability to drive continuous improvement and change management initiatives. 
7.- Strong background in food science/microbiology/packaging systems, with experience in one or more of these areas: herbs, spices, vegetables, sauces, stocks, marinades, vinegars, dips & soup, salt, monosodium glutamate (MSG).
8.-Collaborate cross-functionally with key stakeholders on a regional/global level, including Procurement, RDA, Regulatory, and Supply Chain. 

The typical hiring range for this role is $75,602 to $123,432 annually and is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, location, etc.  In addition to your pay, Kerry offers benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and retirement contribution (all benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).