Your Mission
An application specialist at Pirates is responsible for developing and testing products to confirm their commercial viability while delivering customized solutions to address unique customer needs, particularly within the bakery, pastry, and chocolate industries.
What you do
Providing specialized technical guidance and support to industrial bakeries and pâtisseries, ensuring their operations meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
Investigate customer requirements and facilitate the adoption of appropriate solutions and concepts.
Forging enduring and mutually beneficial alliances with designated accounts is essential to this role.
Assisting the Research and Development Director in advancing research initiatives and spearheading the development of innovative products.
Collaborating with clients to identify their requirements and jointly developing customized solutions.
Orchestrating the implementation of both existing and innovative products across clients’ manufacturing environments.
Translate and adapt the Pirates Group’s New Product Development (NPD) guidelines for the Kenya market, actively facilitating the launch of new products through hands-on test baking, sample preparation, and training sessions.
Responsibilities include identifying and managing emerging business opportunities as well as assessing risks within current portfolios, thereby empowering the business development team to achieve their sales objectives.
In collaboration with cross-functional teams comprising local Technical, Marketing, and Sales colleagues, as well as the international and diverse global network of Pirates, employees leverage collaborative working tools and data analytics to enhance performance and drive results.
Stay current with emerging trends in baking and ingredients, while maintaining a deep and comprehensive knowledge of all Pirates product offerings.
Develop and nurture enduring, high-value relationships with customers while cultivating an extensive network of both internal and external experts in ingredients and equipment at Pirates.
What we expect from you
A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a closely related discipline is required.
With at least five years of practical involvement in the industrial bakery industry, candidates should demonstrate extensive hands-on expertise in this field.
You possess a deep enthusiasm for culinary arts and an unwavering commitment to championing sustainable practices that benefit both the planet and generations to come.
A comprehensive grasp of pâtisserie automation, analytical methodologies, and new product development processes is essential, along with expertise in ingredient selection to craft and refine nutritious yet appealing products.
Possesses a comprehensive grasp of the functional roles of ingredients and additives, as well as fundamental principles of food chemistry.
Proficient in utilizing professional tools such as CRM systems, spreadsheets, and presentation software is essential for this role. A strong command of computer skills is required to efficiently navigate and leverage these applications.
Possesses a solid understanding of operational processes, equipment functionality, and finished product specifications. Demonstrates expertise in the technical aspects of production workflows and the capabilities of manufacturing machinery. Maintains a comprehensive awareness of quality standards and end-product requirements to ensure seamless operations and compliance with industry regulations.
Customer-focused with a keen aptitude for fostering business growth and cultivating strategic partnerships.
Proficient in transforming creative concepts into compelling, market-ready products while adhering to the constraints and efficiencies of an industrial manufacturing setting.
Proven analytical abilities coupled with a strong aptitude for solving complex issues are essential.
Skilled in crafting clear and persuasive written messages and delivering compelling verbal presentations, with a talent for motivating and engaging customers.
An ideal candidate will collaborate effectively within a team environment, demonstrating respect for colleagues, a willingness to assist others, and an open-minded approach to diverse perspectives. Additionally, they will exhibit adaptability, humility, and a proactive attitude in contributing to shared goals.
Demonstrated ability to plan and organize effectively, complemented by a strong focus on detail.
We maintain a requirement for travel flexibility, as the role may necessitate periodic domestic and international trips. Candidates must be prepared to accommodate unpredictable scheduling demands and spend extended periods away from home when necessary. The position involves consistent travel, which could span several days or weeks at a time, depending on project requirements and business needs.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 years
