Solution Designer

OverviewJob Description: Solution Designer (H/F/X). Segment: Royal Canin. Type of contract: Permanent. Location: Aimargues near Montpellier, France. To support Royal Canin to become a Health through Nutrition Company, the R&D team has an ambition: step change the longevity and quality of life of cats and dogs by offering personalized, proactive, predictive and participatory health through nutrition solutions. The Solution Designer will contribute to the R&D ambition by designing and validating integrated health value propositions (health & nutrition, diagnostic & monitoring and services). The role is accountable to ensure solution design and lead globally technical development of new integrated health value propositions in support of the global innovation strategy. The scope includes new solutions designed for dogs and cats across the brands of Royal Canin and Eukanuba, and for the three demand models (Vet & Pro, Healthy Pets or D2C). The final job description will clarify reporting lines, with resource allocation flexibility across VCM.What profile we are looking forMSc in food-processing, biology or chemistry with specialization aligned to team objectives (petfood, chemistry, food safety, etc.).FEF knowledgeStrong transversal management and communication skills due to numerous interfacesAbility to adapt and manage multiple ongoing projectsKnowledge in Nutrition is an asset5+ years of experience managing complex projects in a changing environmentEnglish: fluentKey responsibilitiesGenerate insights and opportunities in Pre-questThe Solution Designer adds value by shaping innovations for cats and dogs to address customer and pet owner needs.Follows market technical trendsCollects pain points from customers and pet owners’ needs with CMI and/or CTILead design thinking (using FEF process) with demand innovation teamsExplore potential answers with internal capabilities (pilot trials, GIC) or external co-manufacturers/start-upsInfluence 360° New Product Request from Demand Innovation Team focusing on value creationDesign Integrated health value propositions, Diagnostic & Monitoring tools and ServicesThe Solution Designer is accountable for global technical feasibility OTIF for new integrated health solutions in QuEST. Responsible for the Quest deliverable up to DB, owning the Product and packaging design brief. At DB, handover to product developer occurs but the Solution Designer remains accountable if elements cannot be met.Facilitates handover from Research to Design teamsSupport researcher in defining the nutritional vehicle for the Research studyParticipate in Technical Risk Assessment at gate 5Partner with Applied Algorithms to leverage data, AI and analyticsLeverage External Partnerships (bio/tech, start-ups, external manufacturers)Include End to End Sustainability impact in Solution DesignCollaborate with Marketing and Regulatory teams to define project brief and feasibility worldwideEnsure consistency of Solution Design with claims in collaboration with Scientific AffairsDefine content of product and packaging design brief aligned with demand teamFor nutritional solutionsAlign with scientific support the formulation logic for new products and work with formulation team on formulasLead Formula Logic Review with all stakeholders to ensure CSF alignmentEnsure raw materials and equipment readiness; plan adaptations if neededDefine qualification criteria and physical specifications (KQA)With Solution validation, organize Pilot & industrial trials and define KQA with Q&FSCheck consistency of development with current portfolio across regionsFor D&M tools or servicesDeliver Diagnostics & Services preliminary assessment studiesDeploy and follow Diagnostics & Monitoring studiesMaintain relationships with external partnersTechnical lead of the Solution DesignLead and coordinate technical risk analysis for the projectRegulatory assessment with Global and local teams for ingredients and claimsRepresent projects in technical forums with Global Project ManagersPotentially speak at Launch events due to expertiseSupport Developers in projectsSupport technical competencies on Nutrition, Food Science and TechnologyMentor on formal and informal channels to get things doneCoach on the global Innovation processWhat can you expect from Mars?Multicultural environment with many nationalities; dog-friendly office with many petsUnique campus with multiple facilities including a kennel and a catteryCommitment to sustainability: no waste to landfill since 2015 across Royal Canin factoriesISO 14001 certification for all European-manufactured products #J-18808-Ljbffr