C&D Foods and its affiliates are one of the largest pet food manufacturers in Europe, offering specially formulated cat and dog food for the private label market. Founded in 1969, C&D Foods and its affiliates have grown to become an industry leading pet food producers with eight manufacturing sites across Europe supplying quality products to customers around the world. We provide a one-stop shop for all our customers' wet and dry pet food needs, from large-scale, low-cost highly automated facilities to multi-purpose, smaller volume flexible sites. Through our dedicated Nutrition & Research Centre and focus on continuous improvement, we've developed a reputation for innovation, collaboration, quality and market expertise.
This role supports the development, testing, and launch of new pet-food products on behalf of brand-owning customers. It exists to translate concepts into products by coordinating bench-top trials, pilot runs, and production validations.
Key Responsabilities
Assit in developing and testing new pet-food formulations
Prepare bench samples, record ingredient usage, and maintain accurate technical data
Support pilot-scale and full-scale production trials, ensuring all trials requirements are met
Collect, organize, and interpret trial results, including texture, palatability and quality attributes
Collaborate with production teams to ensure new formulations run effectively
Key Performance Measures
Accuracy and completeness of trial documentation and date reporting
On-time completion of sample requests, trials, and project milestones
Success rate of customer project launches transitioning from trial to first production
Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners
Compliance with food safety, quality and safety standards
Key Relationships
Internal:
Innovation Manager / R&D team
Production managers and line operators
Quality and Food Safety
Procurement / Supply
Engineering / Maintenance
Commercial / Customer account teams
External:
Brand-owner customers during trials or technical reviews
Ingredient suppliers providing new materials or technologies
External laboratories (if sending samples for analysis)
Personal Competencies and Qualifications
Experience in food manufacturing, food science, or related technical field
Knowledge of pet-food ingredients, processing methods, extrusion, canning technologies etc.
Ability to perform hands-on work in production with strong attention to details
Problem-solving mindset with willingness to question assumptions and test alternatives
Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-moving manufacturing environment