R&D Technical Operations Specialist

JOB OBJECTIVE

The Technical Operations Specialist ensures smooth and compliant execution of technical, operational, and administrative processes supporting R&D and sensory functions. The role is responsible for managing product specifications, maintaining business processes, coordinating facility operations, supporting sensory laboratory activities, assisting with budget-related tasks and providing organizational support to enable consistent and efficient technical operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain and update product specifications together with R&D owners, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with regulatory, quality, and R&D requirements.
• Coordinate cross-functional approval workflows for specification changes.
• Ensure proper documentation and version control within digital specification systems.
• Support audits and compliance checks related to product data and technical standards.
• Creates and updates fully endorsed source lists in SAP

• Own and maintain key R&D and operations-related business processes, ensuring they remain current, efficient, and well-documented.
• Monitor adherence to established procedures and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support implementation of new process workflows, systems, or tools.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to troubleshoot process issues and maintain operational continuity.

• Oversee the operational readiness of R&D and sensory facilities, including coordination of repairs, preventive maintenance, and vendor services.
• Manage facility equipment inventories, calibrations, and safety compliance requirements.
• Ensure the workspace meets organizational standards for cleanliness, safety, and functionality.
• Assist in planning facility upgrades or layout improvements.

• Monitor third-party performance, service levels, and adherence to agreed workflows, raising issues proactively when needed.
• Maintain documentation of all sensory test requests, communications, outputs, and approvals for audit readiness.
• Prepare the necessary budget to ensure smooth and continuous operations of sensory lab.
• Support continuous optimization of the company’s sensory testing workflow by working with the third-party provider to improve turnaround time, sample handling, and reporting quality.

• Raise PRs and assist in tracking operational expenses, purchase orders, vendor invoices, and maintenance costs.
• Help maintain visibility to budget performance across facility and lab operations.
• Support the annual budgeting process by providing data, usage trends, and cost estimates.
• Ensure purchases align with approved budgets and established procurement procedures.

• Efficient Scheduling, administration and management of key R&D activities
• Support R&D Team in Business Travel arrangements for the conduct of Trials Runs, Market scanning, Audits and other related activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the line manager

FUNCTIONAL KNOWLEDGE/ SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field.

• 2-3 years of experience in product/packaging development, or similar R&D roles in the food, beverage, or FMCG industry

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools;
• Intermediate knowledge on MS Power BI, MS Power Apps, Monday.com, MS Visio, SAP and other office applications is a plus.
• Easily adaptable in digital technology and it’s use.
• Strong communication skills.
• Creativity and a passion for innovation.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive approach to challenges.
• Entrepreneurial mindset