Senior Technical Project Lead

Who We Are

Suntory is a fast moving, agile and entrepreneurial business that is home to some of the nations most loved brands. The Suntory Group is one of the largest soft drinks companies and among the world’s leading consumer products companies. We offer a uniquely diverse portfolio of beverages enjoyed by millions across the globe

About your role

As our Senior Technical Project Lead for Renovation/Innovation project you will work across different business functions and contribute to the successful Renovation/Innovation project launches on Product in line with pre-defined objectives (consumer centricity, timing, cost, quality, regulatory.

What You'll Do

Provide R&D technical leadership of the BU agreed projects for new products.  Accountable for coordination and delivery of the feasibility aspects for each project in the timeline owned by Marketing / Commercial Project Leader from project kick off to 1st production release

Scope of Work: Product Renovation / Innovation on BU priorities. This could include core brands, new brands, brand optimisation & new strategies

Write, own and co-ordinate the Product Brief – cross functional alignment needed up front.

Together with inputs from R&D and supply chain, act as ‘Feasibility’ lead on projects – ‘Can we make it?’

Work with NPD to deliver accurate, future proofed cost estimates for prototype product – raw materials, deep understanding of COGs breakdown.

Accountable for creating and issuing of anticipation form to Procurement.

Work collaboratively with all internal and external stakeholders to deliver projects from kick off to first production release ensuring technical project delivery to achieve Reno / Inno product  launches on time.

Work collaboratively with NPD to develop new formulae: from ingredients selection to industrial samples validation, in line with targets and requirements set in the Product Brief.

Define and size repacks and kits in collaboration with concentrate and bottling plants, including issuing required documentation.

Ensure technical documentation, created by TDMS team, is issued for launch to relevant manufacturing site and personnel; ensure approved PS doc is ready, PIPs are issued and a MOM/ PCN is communicated to Quality and relevant manufacturing sites

Ensure supply and delivery of raw materials for trial production; in the case of Kits, ensure availability for first production.

Responsible for organizing and leading trial productions and supporting Quality and Manufacturing at first production.

Post first production, ensure necessary stability/ sensory testing on an ongoing basis by Technical Center teams, and in agreement with project members initiating improvements if needed.

Understand SBFE tools and processes ensuring ability to use databases needed for the role – Optiva, Product Vision, Share point, SAP, Horizon.

Technical representation of projects at internal update and alignment meetings – TAP, TAM and input into PMO tools (Horizon)

Optimization projects for products

Using feedback from consumers and internal testing, identify COVI balanced, technically driven product opportunities: think of consistent quality of experience, ageing, profitability or consumer added value

What's in it for you

Joining Suntory isn’t just about taking on a role, it’s about embarking on a career journey. You have the opportunity to work with talented, inspiring and authentic leaders and have the freedom to dream big and go for it (Yatte Minahare). At Suntory you’ll find a supportive work environment that values work life balance and that will help you realise your full potential and grow for good. Our People and Culture team are a team that genuinely care about creating a great experience for our employees and we would love you to be part of it.

What You need to be successful

Scientific or engineering degree, preferably a Masters in Food Science, Food technology , Chemistry, Biology, or Nutrition.

Demonstrated experience in Food & Beverage product development and industrialization preferably beverages.

Experience of working with commercial and operations colleagues

Track record of leading through influence

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.