Process & Product Improvement Manager Specialty Fats

As process & product improvement manager your challenge will be to support the growth of the Specialty Fats (SpF) category within our Plant-Based solutions range. You will be able to implement the strategy & priorities for R&D support on process & product improvement in the producing facilities worldwide and you will globally implement SpF technology through standardization, continuous expertise building and sharing on SpF processing and equipment, supporting start-up & rehaul of SpF production lines.

You are the R&D Specialty Fats process expert and you will promote the exchange of knowledge within the business unit and our global community. You will have the opportunity to manage a team of 3 direct reports.

**Key Accountabilities**

**Management of Specialty Fats technology & processes**
- Implement the strategy and priorities on technology, Process & Product Improvement projects and support the global sourcing strategy
- Identify local resources, capabilities & training needs related to R&D and processing
- Ensure continuous expertise building on process & equipment through collaborations, partnerships with Universities, suppliers & through internal learnings
- Ensure complete documentation on learnings & expertise and build centralized training tools. Share throughout the (global) community. Lead the annual Specialty fats Global Seminar and ensure training of newcomers in worldwide production sites
- Pilot Plants management: Belgian Operations and identify needs in producing countries
- Single point of contact to support Operations/Quality & to collaborate with cross-functional teams

**Lean implementation of technology through standardization**
- Define and implement standardized and harmonized process & technology for hiqh quality standards on the SpF category worldwide
- Develop and implement standardized R&D methods, procedures, processes, best practices,in the different producing countries.
- Lead projects on business unit level and support to implement in production facilities (new/improved analytical methods, on line QC, )

**Process and product Improvement**
- Support PPI, assuring high constant quality in collaboration with local R&D managers
- Implementation of Strategic Products on industrial lines, support local R&D for new products and hand-over of validated formulations/procedures

**Customer & market support**
- Provide support on product development for customer/market projects
- Support customer visits for business development, business at risk protection and technical support
- Visit Markets and be actively involved in local benchmarking

**Implementation of best fitting production lines**
- Support in definition and implementation of (new) technology and/or equipment in production facilities in function of capacity/technology & business needs
- Support and follow-up the capex planning
- Commissioning of new equipment/line: Provide technical and R&D support in the start-up of new production lines, line rehaul, capacity extensions and acquisitions
- Supplier and technology validation
- Support to define the standardized production lines
- Contribute to projects to validate alternative suppliers for existing equipment and equipment suppliers for new technologies

**Technology watch - Build expertise & network in Speciality Fats area**
- Monitor new equipment/process technologies and propose new solutions
- Build expertise & network in the processing area creating an active network of high commercial value for customers, machine suppliers & researchers in the international Puratos R&D community
- Contribute to technology and/or process innovation projects and supplier’s partnerships, in collaboration with GRS and/or other BU’s

**Who are we looking for?**
- You have a master degree in bio-engineering or you have a similar background
- You have a solid experience in process & product improvement in the fats and oils industry
- You are a strong communicator and you love to network in an international context
- Your approach to leadership is one of collaboration and open communication
- You are able to work in a matrix organization and to create impact in a non-hierarchical setting
- You thrive in a collaborative setting
- You have a passion for food and a hands-on mentality
- You are fluent in English and French. Dutch is a plus
- You are willing to travel up to 35%

**Why should you join Puratos?**

We will welcome you in a dynamic work environment where passion for innovation, team spirit and continuous improvement are key.

You can count on a competitive salary package with attractive benefits such as:

- Meal vouchers (8€/day)
- Group, dental and hospitalization insurance fully paid by Puratos
- 13th month pay
- Company car
- Minimum 5 training days per year
- Responsibilities and the possibility to take ownership of your work

Watch our corporate movie and feel the Puratos Magic:
**Who are we?**

Puratos is a growing, international, Belgian family business with a team of more t