Product Development Manager - Confectionery

About Orkla Confectionery & Snacks

Orkla Confectionery & Snacks (OCS) is a dominant snack company located in the Nordics and Baltics, operating across seven markets with a proud annual turnover of around 7.5 billion NOK. Our company comprises over 3,000 dedicated people, bound by a passion for nurturing our portfolio of cherished brands like SMASH!, BUBS, KiMs, Nidar, Stratos, Sætre, Göteborgs Kex, OLW, Panda, Laima, Selga, Taffel, Kalev, Nói Síríus, and many more. At our core, we are more than just snacks; in OCS we are creating moments of happiness, powered by a network of 13 specialized factories with a commitment to excellence and sustainability. OCS is an Orkla ASA portfolio company (PortCo).

As an independent PortCo with its own board and management structure, OCS is evolving. Our future organization will focus on three categories: Confectionery, Snacks, and Biscuits. This structure aims to enhance cost efficiency, harmonization, and investment in our brands, factories, and expertise.

About the Role

As the Product Development Manager for Confectionery in Norway and Sweden, you will lead and manage product-related projects, including innovation, renovation, and quality improvements. You will be responsible for directing the team in driving product development from concept through to packed product, focusing on understanding the interactions between raw materials, ingredients, and production processes. Reporting to the R&D Director Confectionery, this position entails regular travel and close cross-country collaboration. The role can be based in Oslo, Trondheim or Jönköping.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead product development for confectionery products in Norway and Sweden, including innovation, renovation, and harmonization projects.
• Allocate resources and manage the budget for product development, trials, and sensory tests.
• Support and guide the confectionery development team to foster an engaging and collaborative work environment.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards and maintain a high standard of product specifications, including recipes and process details.
• Validate product attributes through consumer testing, sensory analysis, and factory trials.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams to achieve strategic goals and leverage technology trends.
• Support cross-functional collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the R&D organization.

Who Are You?

You are a dynamic and experienced leader with a passion for the confectionery industry. With a strong foundation in food science and product development, you thrive in a fast-paced, international and cross-functional environment. You have a natural ability to inspire and drive results. You are resilient and excel at building meaningful relationships, enabling you to influence and motivate others towards common goals. Known for your decisiveness, you confidently make critical product development decisions that align with OCS’s vision and strategy.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Food Science, Product Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in R&D within confectionery, innovation, or supply chain.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams across multiple regions.
• Good communication and presentations skills, and the ability to influence and achieve results.
• Thorough understanding of food science and technology.
• Fluent in English, with additional proficiency in a Nordic language preferred.