Title:
Technologist – Nutritionals
Company:
The Tatua Co-operative Dairy Company Limited
Purpose of Role:
The purpose of the role is to undertake R&D with commercial intent in support of Tatua’s Nutritionals
business unit. This primarily encompasses leading and participating in projects within new product
development (NPD), but may also include supporting projects in existing product improvement (EPI),
and product/ food applications assessments.
Our high-quality specialty protein products are used in infant, medical and sports nutrition products
worldwide. As a world leading manufacturer of value-added nutritional ingredients, we partner with
customers to develop tailored product solutions.
Project work includes the planning and execution of trials at lab, pilot and commercial scale and
working on products from initial concepts right through commercialisation.
Reports to:
Principal Technologist - Nutritionals
Direct Reports:
Nil
Key Relationships:
Senior Technologists and Technologists
Technical Officers
R&D Manager
Quality advisors
Laboratory staff
Production staff
Engineering services staff
Marketing Coordinators
Business Development Managers
Supply Chain and Warehouse staff
Equipment suppliers
Authorities & Financial Responsibilities:
1. Can raise lab service requests and purchase orders for approval by the appropriate
signatory.
Key Result Areas (KRAs):
Position Description
Technologist – Nutritionals
Page 2 of 4
August 2023
KRAs: Description:
Development Program
• Key contributor to nutritionals business growth through designing
and developing new products. Planning, executing and reporting
on trials at laboratory, pilot and factory scale.
• Leading preparation of commercial trial and commercialisation
documentation, including raw material requirements, process
flows, log-sheets, risk assessment and trial reporting.
Product improvement
• Key contributor to nutritionals business growth and continuity by
planning, executing and reporting on trials at laboratory, pilot and
factory scale to improve existing products.
Collaborative work
• Work together with technical officers and other technologists on
NPD, EPI and applications projects – sharing learnings and
helping each-other with efficient pilot plant utilisation.
• Work with Production, Quality and Sales staff to plan, execute
and release product from commercial trials.
Technical Advice
• Inspire trust that technical understanding and sound hypotheses
underpin trial work and suggestions for improvement.
• Develop expertise in technical competencies related to
nutritionals NPD/EPI projects, able to answer questions and give
problem solving advice to other parts of the business.
• Where appropriate to the project, join customer calls for technical
discussion.
Leadership
• Lead project work, including influencing cross functional
stakeholders in the planning and preparation of commercial trials,
for assigned projects.
• Contribute to future planning of Tatua’s R&D assets,
maintenance, and quality/product development processes.
• Contribute to future planning of Tatua’s Nutritionals NPD pipeline.
Communication
• Communicate within R&D to co-ordinate efficient utilisation of
shared equipment and ensure lab and pilot trials are executed in
a timely and efficient manner.
• Communicate with other departments to ensure commercial trials
are executed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Communicate results and conclusions in project updates to
influence and drive discussion about project work and the product
development pipeline.
Equipment, maintenance
and improvement
• Operate pilot plant equipment as required for project work.
• Coordinate preventative and reactive maintenance for assigned
equipment.
• Communicate opportunities for equipment improvement,
maintenance and address H&S issues to ensure a safe
environment
Facilities • Ensures general tidiness is maintained in the lab/pilot plant
area
Position Description
Technologist – Nutritionals
General:
• To follow any lawful or reasonable instruction made by the employer
• To exercise skill and care; and to provide a safe place of work, free of hazards
• To be present at work; and to work faithfully and honestly
Key Skills:
• Planning and time management
• Problem solving
• Analytical skills
• Good communication skills.
• Comfortable with hands on experimental work and operation of pilot scale equipment
• Good lab practice
Knowledge:
• Food processing experience is valuable
• Working in a laboratory or pilot plant environment is preferred but not required
• Spreadsheet and word processor
Experience Required:
• 0-2 years industry experience in a food manufacturing or lab environment.
• Physically capable to work with pilot scale food processing equipment
Essential Qualifications Required:
• BSc / BSc (Tech) / Btech / BE