At the end of my studies, I contacted the Lactalis Group because I wanted to do a training placement in manufacturing, and more specifically in Research and Development. I was new in the professional world of dairy products, but my first steps were greatly eased by the speed of my induction into the factory. My progressive immersion in all departments meant that I continually improved my knowledge of R&D technology and approaches,and I must admit that this very quickly taught me about my specific product area as well as the production methods used.
All the training had one objective : to prepare me for my future responsibilities !
What do you do on a daily basis and which particular features does the job have ?
I now work with various departments (Marketing France and Europe, Production etc.), on 3 main assignments.
The first consists of developing new products to enable us to enter into different processes. In particular, I am in direct contact with our international subsidiaries : travel is one of the perks of the job !
I am also in charge of the continual improvement of the quality of existing products and I am proactively involved in monitoring new and potential future ingredients.
Does the position require any particular skills ?
As well as being a good thinker, an R&D Engineer must get along with people easily, to be able to work as part of a team. Managing a project implies being the driving force while keeping a mindset that enables constructive criticism !
This job has made me aware of the importance of listening and communication.
What has been your career path so far ?
I graduated from an agro-food college (ENSBANA – National Academy of Applied Food and Nutrition Biology), in Dijon. During my studies I specialised in Nutrition/Formulation and took an option in Biotechnology/Processes. After a research placement in the US, my final training placement was in the milk and milk powders field, which must have impressed Lactalis !
What comes next ?
At the moment I want to build a career within the Group. Initially, I can see myself continuing to develop my industrial skills within Process Development (industrial component). Then I'd like to take on a managerial dimension (management of a team), in order to be able to apply for a position in Production. My long-term ambition is to experience something new abroad
