Job Description

Position: Senior Food TechnologistJob Location: Senai, Johor, MalaysiaSummary:Leads the overall product & process improvement, trial activities in plant and undertakes assignments of very high complexity. This position is also extended and responsible for providing leadership and direction for Supervisor Analytical Lab & Technician in charge in the analytical laboratory as well for maintaining efficient and safe laboratories, analytical and satellite lab (production). In addition to leading the lab technicians, this position is expected to be able to provide hands-on analytical support understand processes, product design, and the necessary technical expertise in Chocolate Making process in the Malaysia plant. This includes understand the end-to-end factory operations to identify any opportunity improvement to be done to provide process optimization. Participate on cross functional teams (Marketing, Legal, etc.) in the plant with respect to complex quality or operation issues (e.g. fat blooming, increasing trends in moisture reading, big particle size, etc.). Develops strong and effective working relationships with R&D, manufacturing management, QA, and other technical disciplines.Responsibilities:Project & Analytical Lab Leadership

• Leading and undertaking product and process optimization projects of varying importance, complexity or scope.
• Undertake projects as assigned and make suggestions for initiation of projects or their abandonment as experience allows. Provide updates to project teams and management throughout the company that allows for timely decision making and the execution of testing schedules in an expedient and effective manner.
• Leading, providing direction, participating in project design and methodology, problem solving through application of knowledge and original thinking. Identify, develop and validate product and process optimization projects through preparation of experimental formulations and process designs, bench and pilot scale development and manufacturing trials.
• Taking a lead in projects which require product quality and function optimization to include product and process support, training and process sustainability initiatives.
• Leader in collaborating with R&D, Regional Technical Solutions & Technical Assurance, Finance, QRC, Manufacturing and Marketing will be required. Under general direction, take initiative to secure from such resources for all pertinent advice, ideas, and information having a bearing upon a project.
• Provide leadership to the analytical lab talent in analytical lab. Ensure the laboratories operate efficiently and safely as per organization GLP, method and policy at all time.

Product and Process Optimization

• Recommend, design, develop, conduct proof of principle testing to evaluate technical and financial feasibility for proposed solutions product and process improvements within operations to provide the optimal solution for the given project. Develop initial process and product specifications, formulations, scope of work and schedule. Responsibilities include process commissioning, and successful transition of deliverables to plant operating staff, including training and technical knowledge to assure sustainability of improvements.

Technology Application Evaluation

• Support product and process improvement initiatives throughout the Hershey manufacturing network.
• Utilize food science and process engineering principals, technical training and judgment to resolve product quality, process troubleshooting and optimization initiatives.
• Utilize root cause analysis and structured problem solving methodology to identify root cause, develop and implement solutions to projects.
• Utilize technical training and skills in provide education, discovery and application of new or emerging technologies for Hershey process and product optimization initiatives to meet strategic growth and cost initiatives.
• Coordinate the operation of plant, pilot plant processing or laboratory equipment or apparatus in the performance of tests or the implementation of improvements.
• Leading knowledge and proficiency related to change management through innovation and technology from discovery through execution phase - QDR, PQS

Continuous Improvement

• Identifies continuous improvement opportunities and leads implementation through Cost Saving, Process Optimization and Process / product Design Issues. Leads improvement teams and prepares/presents reports.
• Continue to strengthen Analytical Laboratory talents skillset which covering Main and satellite lab with data-based approach.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:

• Knowledge of chocolate technical understanding & behavior
• Strong knowledge in Laboratory management, equipment and chemical application as well talent development
• Thorough understanding of food safety, Good laboratory Practices and food regulatory issues.
• Ability to form strong and effective working relationships with manufacturing management, QA, and other technical disciplines and ability to work flexible hours if required.
• Strong leadership skills, ability to lead projects and develop self and others.
• Superior communication skills in verbal and written form. Advanced presentation skills.
• Ability to make business decisions in light of strategic company objectives & problem solving/trouble shooting skills.
• Advanced proficiency in computer programs / software such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point, SAP, PBI, PQS
• Detailed knowledge of regulatory and quality system requirements - Product Excellence Program (PEP), GFSI, HACCP, Good Manufacturing Process (GMP), etc.
• Dexterity required for handling and performing tests in an accurate manner. Ability to record data as needed

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor\'s Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or Chemistry equivalent
• Minimum of 8+ years of related experience in manufacturing environment which include auditing of food plants, writing procedures. Demonstrated ability to lead subordinates in laboratory. Ability to read, write and understand English.

The Hershey Company