Position Purpose
This position is responsible for driving mid- and long-term innovation projects and concept development within the dairy category, with a strong focus on cream and processed cheese applications, while remaining open to cross-category innovation such as beverage concepts. The role emphasizes technical feasibility studies, trend-driven ideation, and pipeline development to support strategic growth platforms.
Key Responsibilities
Innovation & Concept Development
Identify market trends, consumer insights, and technology drivers in dairy and adjacent categories.
Generate concept ideas and translate them into technical prototypes aligned with strategic priorities.
Develop proof-of-concept formulations for cream, processed cheese, and beverage applications.
Explore novel ingredient technologies and assess their applicability in future concepts.
Mid/Long-Term Project Leadership
Lead innovation projects from ideation through technical validation.
Collaborate with Marketing, and Commercial teams to define project scope, timelines, and success criteria.
Conduct technical risk assessments and scalability evaluations.
Document technical learnings and provide go-to-market recommendations.
Technical Feasibility & Pilot Trials
Design and execute bench and pilot trials for cream and processed cheese concepts.
Define critical process parameters for scale-up and manufacturing readiness.
Partner with external research institutes and technology providers to accelerate innovation.
Knowledge Building & Thought Leadership
Monitor emerging technologies, ingredient innovations, and regulatory changes.
Prepare technical reports, trend analyses, and category playbooks.
Deliver internal training sessions on future trends and technical opportunities.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in food science, Food Technology, or related field.
Minimum 5 years of experience in dairy R&D, innovation, or technical application, Expertise in cream and processed cheese has the priority.
Experience in a B2B or B2C especially in the food ingredients/FMCG environment is highly preferred
Solid understanding of emulsification systems, protein functionality, fat-water interactions, and heat/acid stability.
Proven track record in concept development and technical feasibility studies.
Good project management skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
Curious and open to cross-category innovation, with an interest in trying new food and beverage products.
Preferred Skills
Experience in cream-based systems (whipping cream, cooking cream, UHT cream) and processed cheese formulations (meltability, stretch, emulsifier systems).
Familiarity with beverage formulation (dairy-based drinks, protein shakes, functional beverages).
Knowledge of emerging technologies such as precision fermentation, enzyme innovation, and digital formulation tools.
Ability to connect scientific principles with market needs and consumer trends.
Comfortable with open innovation models and external collaboration.
Performance Metrics
Percentage of concepts aligned with strategic growth platforms.
Contribution to thought leadership (reports, technical papers, internal workshops).
Achievement of project milestones within scope and timelines.
Number of validated concepts transitioned to pipeline per year.
Tate & Lyle is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.