Description |
Leads advanced level oral care technology research into new technologies for chewing gum, confectionery or nutritional/pharmaceutical products to provide the basis for new product development or product improvements, and serves as a key contact with the dental research community.
Background
The Innovation Team is responsible for the development and implementation of all new and improved products for the Wrigley Company worldwide. This position resides in the Global Product Technology group, part of Global Science and Technology. This responsibility is all encompassing and includes: designing and/or improving products to meet the needs of consumers in each market in which the Company does business; the research, testing and scale-up of production technologies which provide for efficient and productive chewing gum and confection manufacturing processes; packaging research to identify and implement packaging technologies which protect the product while maintaining overall appearance; and the continuing research into new technologies which are required to meet the future needs of the Corporation.
The Principal Technology Scientist reports to the Manager of the Actives Group, within Global Product Technology.
Dimensions
This position will have project management responsibilities and may have supervisory responsibilities with a special group or project. The position holder will be responsible for all fundamental oral care research and will conduct initial testing, and lead management of external projects. As such the incumbent will be responsible for delivering technology to maintain and build the future oral care pipeline for the Company.
The incumbent will provide guidance and coaching to other members of the oral care team to ensure delivery of research projects against business objectives. The Wrigley Company has established relationships with the American Dental Association and other professional dental groups in the United States and internationally to better understand the profession's viewpoint and assist in the promotion of oral health. The incumbent serves as a key contact to these important members of the dental community.
The incumbent coordinates the Wrigley Company's multifaceted efforts to enlighten, inform, and persuade the dental profession and society that chewing gum provides positive dental and other oral health benefits.
- Leads advanced level technology development research programs (medium and long-term) which will deliver new technologies with tangible impact on growth and profit. Work is focused on the identification, development and delivery of new and efficacious technologies that deliver specific oral health benefits (such as improved tooth strengthening, tooth whitening, reduction of dental biofilms, breath freshening, etc), through new ingredient technologies.
- Accountable for major research projects; supervises team members on these projects as required with work plans, research and reports; provides guidance and assistance to less experienced associates in achieving their job goals and successful completion of research projects.
- Identify, initiate and manage outside consultants for project research, including the development of acceptable protocol for clinical trials, and monitors their progress to ensure their results are consistent with sound principles and procedures.
- Works with Marketing and other internal partners (including Claims Support) to establish strong oral health claims as needed through internal and/or external research.
- Applies professional knowledge and experience in developing research concepts related to products needs; identifies problem areas, patentable opportunities and competitive advantages and develops and implements research projects related to their resolution.
- Utilizes advanced bio-analytical/oral care instrumentation and characterization methods to conduct research projects; performs oral care physical/biological chemistry related research work on assigned projects focused on specific product enhancements or designated technology needs.
- Assists Manager in the selection of new instrumentation and in assembling the capital expenditure budget.
- Prepares summary reports with follow-up recommendations related to research work performed by the staff.
- Stays updated on key developments in dental and oral care research, ingredients, claims, and products via literature reviews, conference attendance, and participation in professional association activities.
- Performs other projects as assigned by the assigned, Manager or Director and other senior Wrigley personnel.
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Requirements |
PhD or master's degree in dental-related science or its equivalent is required.
- Extensive (5-10 years) experience in oral health Research and Development and/or product development in leadership role
- FMCG preferred
- Strong leadership and project management skills with demonstrated ability to lead complex projects that involve technical factors and multiple departments
- Proven track record of sound research as evidenced through patents, published literature and products to market
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
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