Scientist, Product Developer

We are looking for a Product Developer to manage and execute Innovation, reformulation and value optimization projects, mainly in the juice category out of Istanbul. In addition, the Product Developer will be approving new juices, according to the R&D framework, in close collaboration with Juice procurement & Operating Unit. Geographical scope will be EME, but a greater focus on Türkiye being EP-Combo Market. This role is an individual contributor role and works in close collaboration with Category team in Belgium.  The Istanbul Juice satellite lab, located in Istanbul is a satellite lab, associated to the Coca-Cola Company’s Research and Development Center based in Belgium, overseeing the development of new beverages (CSD, juices, iced teas, water, dairy…), packages and retail equipment innovation for Europe, Eurasia, Middle East and Africa.

What You’ll Do for Us:

• Accountable for the project delivery (Quality, timing & cost)
• Develop new Juice beverages or adapt existing recipes according to specific detail objectives under appropriate supervision/coaching of R&D category manager
• Lead, engage and inspire 2 Interns
• Develop a good understanding of system dynamics: concentrate part model, bottler-franchise operating model, value chain, Business Unit structure and supply chain
• Able to make routine decisions independently. Consult his line manager as appropriate on key milestones & general guidelines.
• Works on adjustments and cost optimizations, including evaluation of potential use of out-of-spec juice batches in existing recipes/juice blends under the supervision of line manager.
• Generates manufacturing instructions to be used as base for juices/juice blends production under the supervision of line manager.
• Able to understand sensory & consumer test methods
• Conduct sensory assessment on final beverages made with flexible recipes/juice blend and on incoming raw material (juices) according to protocol defined based on HUB business model, possibly coordinating a local sensory panel.
• Able to translate consumer test results and sensory attributes into winning product propositions
• Able to resolve technical challenges
• Able to identify areas of improvement on product development, process, communication routines, …
• Support Turkey Juice team on value optimization and portfolio maintenance projects as product developer under the supervision of line manager in a virtual setting.
• Manage all operational activities in the lab including ingredient & expenditure stock replenishment, sample shipment coordination, equipment maintenance plans, etc.
• Production of samples at the pilot plant of both beverage base parts and final products.
• Filling accurately internal databases for stability tracking, formula database, project management tools,…
• Precise description of manufacturing conditions.
• Provide input of best practices for production of concentrate parts or finished products during production trials.
• Follows and understands good lab practice (5S) and internal procedures.
• Be always updated on “New World of Risk” and taking this into consideration for agricultural ingredient selection, formula and process design to ensure safety (e.g. allergen management, micro risks, product and raw materials sensitivity)
• Be externally focused, identifying technologies and ingredients that can bring competitive edge to plant-base category and screen/assess them internally, identifying and suggesting new propositions to bring brand edge.
• Continuous curiosity on competition activities and strategy and trends in the category, identifying growth opportunities.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• At least 2-3 years successful product development experience in the beverages / Juice industry or 3-5 successful experience in food / juice industry.
• Educational requirements / qualifications: Master or Post-Graduate in food science, chemistry or relative field – nice to have
• Outstanding communication skills in English, both verbal and written. Additional language is a plus.

What We Can Do for You:

• You will grow as a member of our creative and multi-cultural R&D Team.
• You will working for one of the main R&D center of The Coca-Cola Company, within a multidisciplinary team, supporting innovation for more than 100 countries.

Travel requirements:

• Travel will fluctuate and is projected as maximum of 20% of the time (annually).

Skills

Product Development; Chemistry; Leadership; Continual Improvement Process; Environmental Science; Researching; Food Sciences; Waterfall Model; Food Technology; Communication; Food Safety and Sanitation; Laboratory Testing; Data Compilation; Quality Control (QC); Green Solutions