Rdq Manager - Italy Lazio

Rdq Manager - Italy
Roma
Lazio, Lazio

Overview:

- The RDQ Manager is based at the Market Unit (MU)/ Region.

The purpose of the function is to manage the RDQ programme across Quality & R&D aspects.

The RDQ Manager provides leadership for the R&D and Quality resources in the MU, setting work annual plan goals and development plans.

The job requires a strong understanding of the local culture, markets, media and language.

Fluent English language skills are required for communication with the head office, the factories, other MUs and Co-packers.

In countries where this is permissible under local regulation, the role has the delegation of the food safety and regulatory compliance responsibility from the General Manager according EU general food law.

This includes the necessary tools and authority for this.

The RDQ Manager manages and delivers the local pipeline of innovation, renovation and fuel for growth.

In some cases this will be in partnership with the Regional PDM.

The RDQ Manager partners with the MU Marketing Team, with support from the Head of RDQ for the Region.

The role is also accountable for risk, quality and legality for all products sold in the country of the MU.

As a representative of the MU, the RDQ Manager actively engages with external Stakeholders (like food-authority and industry associations), to be informed, influence and build brand and business reputation.

The role reports into the Head of RDQ for the Region, which ultimately reports to the Chief R&D and Quality Officer.

**Responsibilities**:

- The JH is the Technical Business Partner to Marketing, Sales and the Board in the MU Team, acting as a Consumer & technology champion, highlighting opportunities, driving change and ensuring that the programme delivers competitive advantage.

The JH will work with Marketing Managers to co-create and deliver the innovation pipeline for the local MWBs.

They will work with Sales Teams to convey messages on product quality and superiority.

They will be the point of contact for food authorities and other Stakeholders, responsible for emphasising the compliance of our actions and the governance we have in place.

**Product Development

- Developing a portfolio that represents the key priorities for each MWB, and is fully consistent with the focus on "fewer, bigger, better" working in collaboration with the cross functional Team

- Actively manage the portfolio for maximum RoI, flagging the need for prioritisation discussions and decisions when necessary

- Drives implementation of the projects within AP, at Nomad Foods SU & designated Co-packers, in line with agreed objectives and milestones

- Understands the Nomad Foods SU agenda and AP impact.

Ensures timely delivery and dynamic resourcing.

Flags risks and opportunities

- Drives and delivers Fuel for Growth programme in their areas of responsibility

**Products & Ingredient Portfolio Maintenance

- Approves & implements recipe & process changes to current products that have no discernible impact on product design (eg.

productivity, footprint, supply continuity)

- Ensures product & ingredient specifications are fully compliant & audit ready

- Write and approve product artwork and labels including product related claims

- Provide Technical Data as required by Customers

- Organise product tasting sessions with cross functional Teams

- Technical support to marketing and Consumer careline

- Intake checks for co-packed products on a risk-based schedule

- Drive quality compliance for local co-packed products

**Consumer and Customer Service

- Monitor Consumer complaints for the MU and take corrective action

- Manage significant complaint cases and individual escalated complaints

- Train the Consumer Service Team to build knowledge about the products

- Support Sales Team for Customer enquiries and complaints about product risk, quality and legality

**Regulatory & Policy Compliance of Products

- Drive regulatory compliance for products, product related claims and communication in the local market

- Collaborate with the NFE legal & regulatory Manager and/or external legal counsel where required

- Understand the NFE quality policies and procedures and make sure the MU is following it

**External Relationships

- Close contact to local food authority

- Active membership in industry association (e. g.

present in meetings)

- Customer technical contacts in collaboration with sales

**Governance

- Give accurate & informative input to gate documents including risk, quality and legality of products and projects

- Ensure that all new developments are consistent with the CSR strategy and Nutritional targets

- Ensure that the key elements of the product design are retained on scale up and ongoing production, including productivity programmes

- The JH represent the RDQ Team input and knowledge during gate keeping meetings

- Ensure that the warehouses used by the MU are operating to the agreed quality and safety standards

- In case of an incident in the MU, take a leading role in the Incident