II.

The process of conducting a job analysis of Nestle

1. How will information be used?

In job analysis for a Product Development Specialist position in Nestle, information will be
used to identify the key responsibilities, skills, and knowledge required to perform the job
successfully. The job analysis will involve gathering information about the tasks and duties
associated with the role, as well as the qualifications and experience necessary to perform
those tasks effectively.

There are some ways in which information could be used in the job analysis for a Product
Development Specialist position in Nestle:

1.1. Staffing
Product Development Specialist requires knowledge, skills, and ability levels.
Information about the education, experience, and skills required for this position will be
collected and analyzed to determine the minimum qualifications for the job. This could
include requirements such as:

● A degree in food science or a related field.

● Experience with product development processes.
● Proficiency in project management tools and software.

1.2. Training and Development

Information about the necessary knowledge and skills for the position will be used to
develop training and development programs that help the Product Development Specialist
acquire the necessary competencies to perform the current job effectively and adapt to the
environment. This include:

● Food Science and Technology: A strong understanding of food science and

technology is crucial for developing new products and improving existing ones.
Training in Nestle includes courses on food chemistry, microbiology, food
processing, sensory evaluation, and other related topics by inviting mainly the
nutrition specialists to conduct the session.
 ● Marketing and Consumer Insights: Understanding consumer preferences and market
trends is essential for developing successful products. Training in marketing research
and consumer insights can help the Product Development Specialist identify new
opportunities and develop products that meet consumer needs.
● Communication and Collaboration: Developing new products requires working with
cross-functional teams, including marketing, operations, and supply chain. Training in
communication and collaboration can help the Product Development Specialist work
effectively with these teams and ensure that everyone is aligned towards the same
goals.

1.3. Performance Appraisal

Information about the performance expectations and standards for the role will be
collected and analyzed to identify the criteria by which job performance will be evaluated.
The following are some key elements that may be included in the performance appraisal
process for the Product Development Specialist position in Nestle:
● Performance feedback: Regular feedback is provided to the employee throughout the
performance period. This feedback is constructive, specific, and timely. The employee
of Nestle should be provided with both positive feedback and areas for improvement.
● Self-assessment: The employee should be given the opportunity to assess their own
performance. This self-assessment should be used to guide the appraisal process and
to identify areas for improvement.
1.4. Compensation
Jobs that require greater knowledge, skills, and abilities should be worth more to the
firm and should be compensated accordingly. The compensation package for the Product
Development Specialist position in Nestle may include the following components:
● Base salary: The base salary for the Product Development Specialist position should
be competitive and commensurate with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required
for the position. The base salary is determined by market data, internal equity, and the
company's compensation philosophy.
● Performance-based incentives: Performance-based incentives included in the
compensation package for the Product Development Specialist position. These
incentives may be tied to the achievement of individual and team performance goals
and may include bonuses, profit-sharing, and equity-based compensation.
 ● Benefits: Benefits are an important part of the compensation package and may
include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other perks such as
wellness programs, experience, working environment or relationship among Specialist
and managers.
The compensation package for the Product Development Specialist position in Nestle
is competitive and designed to attract and retain top talent. The company regularly reviews
and adjusts the compensation package to ensure that it remains competitive with the market
and is aligned with the company's overall compensation philosophy.

1.5. Safety and Health

The safety and health of employees, including the Product Development Specialist position in
Nestle, is an important consideration in job analysis. In certain hazardous jobs, workers may
need specific information about the hazards to perform their jobs safely.
● Identify hazards and risks: Nestle can use information derived from job analysis to
identify the potential hazards and risks associated with the Product Development
Specialist position. This includes identifying physical, chemical, biological that can
cause harm to employees when they are exposed to chemicals. Nestle develops
appropriate safety measures and controls to eliminate or minimize the risk of harm.
● Develop safety and health procedures: Based on the hazard and risk assessment,
Nestle develops safety and health procedures for the Product Development Specialist
position. This includes developing standard operating procedures, training programs
to ensure that employees are aware of the hazards associated with their work and
know how to perform their tasks safely.

1.6. Employee and Labor Relations

The information obtained through job analysis can provide a standard for evaluation
and comparison of talent when employees are being considered for promotion, transfer, or
demotion. This information can also lead to more objective human resource decisions.
For example, when Nestle is considering promoting a Product Development Specialist
to a higher position, the job analysis information can be used to evaluate whether the
employee possesses the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the new job.
Similarly, if there is a dispute over job duties or responsibilities, the job analysis can provide
an objective basis for resolving the dispute.
1.7. Legal Considerations
Nestle Vietnam complies with Vietnam's labor laws and regulations. This includes
ensuring that their employment practices and policies align with the Labor Code of Vietnam,
which outlines the rights and obligations of both employees and employers. The code also
covers topics such as working hours, leave entitlements, overtime, and termination of
employment.
In addition, Nestle Vietnam must comply with the country's safety and health
regulations. This includes ensuring that the workplace is safe for employees and that all
necessary safety equipment and training is provided.
As part of its legal obligations, Nestle Vietnam must also ensure that its job analysis
process is non-discriminatory and adheres to the principles of equal opportunity employment.
This means that the company cannot discriminate against any job applicant or employee
based on their gender, age, ethnicity, religion, or any other protected characteristic.
To ensure compliance with these legal considerations, Nestle Vietnam likely has a
dedicated human resources team responsible for developing and implementing policies and
procedures that align with local laws and regulations.
Ensuring compliance with legal considerations is crucial for Nestle Vietnam to
operate in an ethical and responsible manner while also protecting its reputation and avoiding
legal liability.

Overall, information is critical in job analysis for a Product Development Specialist position
in Nestle. By collecting and analyzing relevant information, the company can ensure that the
job description accurately reflects the requirements of the position, and that the selected
candidate possesses the necessary qualifications and skills to perform the job successfully.

2. Background information
1.1. Goals

Nestle is a multinational food and beverage company that aims to be the leading nutrition,
health, and wellness company. The company's overarching goal is to provide high-quality
products that meet consumers' evolving needs and preferences while maintaining
sustainability and social responsibility. Nestle's strategic priorities include driving growth in
emerging markets, pursuing product innovation and renovation, and optimizing efficiency
and effectiveness.
The goals of Nestle have a significant impact on the organizational analysis and job analysis
processes. The goals of an organization define what it wants to achieve and guide the
development of strategies and tactics to achieve those goals. Some of the ways in which the
goals of Nestle can impact the job analysis process are:

● Focus on innovation: One of Nestle's goals is to foster innovation and develop new
products that meet changing consumer needs. This goal can impact the job analysis
process by placing greater emphasis on identifying job roles and competencies that
support innovation and creativity.
● Customer-centric approach: Nestle's goal of being customer-centric can impact the
job analysis process by emphasizing the need to identify and develop competencies
that support a customer-focused approach. This may include identifying job roles that
involve direct customer interaction, or developing competencies related to customer
service and support.
● Sustainable practices: Nestle's goal of promoting sustainable practices can impact
the job analysis process by emphasizing the need to identify and develop
competencies related to sustainability, such as knowledge of sustainable sourcing
practices or expertise in reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.

Overall, the goals of Nestle can shape the priorities and objectives of the job analysis process,
influencing the identification of job roles, competencies, and performance criteria. To ensure
alignment between the job analysis process and Nestle's goals, it is important to regularly
review and update the job analysis process to ensure it reflects the organization's evolving
priorities and strategies.

Base on these main goals, we find that The Technical Applications Group (TAG) is an
important department within Nestle, a multinational food and beverage company. TAG is
responsible for developing and implementing technical solutions to support Nestle's products
and processes, and ensuring that these solutions are effective, efficient, and aligned with the
company's business objectives. The Technical Applications Group plays a critical role in
helping Nestle to develop and maintain its position as a leading food and beverage company
by providing technical expertise and support to all aspects of the business.

1.2. Structure
 For a long time, Nestlé operated with a complicated, decentralized matrix organizational
structure, which means that decision-making is distributed across its various business units
and geographies. The company operates in more than 190 countries and has over 2,000
brands organized into eight product categories, including bottled water, coffee, dairy, pet
care, and confectionery. Each category is responsible for its business operations, product
development, and marketing activities. Nestle also strongly focuses on regional and local
operations, which allows it to tailor its products and marketing strategies to specific cultural
and geographic regions.

Nestle's decentralized organizational structure has an impact on the job analysis process,
which is a crucial component of organizational analysis.

In a decentralized structure, decision-making is distributed among various departments or

business units, rather than being concentrated at the top of the hierarchy. This can lead to
more autonomy and flexibility at the departmental level, allowing each unit to tailor its job
analysis process to its specific needs and goals.

However, this can also create challenges in terms of ensuring consistency and standardization
across the organization. Without a centralized framework for job analysis, there may be
variations in the methods, tools, and criteria used by different departments, which could lead
to inconsistencies in how jobs are defined and evaluated across the organization.

Furthermore, a decentralized structure may also make it more challenging to establish a

comprehensive and integrated approach to job analysis that aligns with the organization's
overall strategy and goals. Without a centralized framework, it may be more difficult to
ensure that the job analysis process is closely linked to the organization's mission, vision, and
values.

The Technical Applications Group (TAG) at Nestle is an internal department responsible for
providing technical support and expertise in various product development and innovation
areas. The TAG reports to Nestle's Research & Development (R&D) division. R&D is
typically responsible for driving innovation, developing new products, and ensuring the
technical quality of Nestle's food and beverage offerings.
Overall, while a decentralized organizational structure can provide certain benefits in terms
of autonomy and flexibility, it can also pose challenges in terms of consistency and
integration in the job analysis process. As such, it is important for organizations to carefully
consider how they approach job analysis within a decentralized structure, and to establish
clear guidelines and frameworks to ensure consistency and alignment across the organization.

1.3. Culture

Nestle's corporate culture is characterized by a strong focus on innovation, quality, and

sustainability. The company places a high value on ethical behavior and social responsibility,
and it has implemented several initiatives to promote sustainability and reduce its
environmental impact. Nestle also emphasizes diversity and inclusion, both in its workforce
and in its products, and strives to create a positive and engaging work environment for its
employees. Finally, Nestle strongly emphasizes continuous learning and development,
providing its employees with opportunities to develop new skills and advance their careers
within the company.
The culture of Nestle have an impact on the organizational analysis and job analysis
processes. Organizational culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors
that characterize an organization and shape how its members interact with each other and
with external stakeholders.
Nestle has a strong culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This
can impact the job analysis process in several ways. For example:

● Emphasis on innovation: Nestle's culture places a high value on innovation, and this
can be reflected in the job analysis process. Job analysis can be used to identify areas
where innovation is needed, and to develop job descriptions and competencies that
reflect the skills and knowledge required for innovation.
● Collaboration: Collaboration is also a key aspect of Nestle's culture. Job analysis can
involve collaboration between different departments and stakeholders to ensure that
job descriptions accurately reflect the needs of the organization and its stakeholders.
● Continuous improvement: Nestle's culture places a strong emphasis on continuous
improvement, which can be reflected in the job analysis process. Job analysis can be
used to identify areas where improvements can be made, such as streamlining
 processes, developing new competencies, or identifying areas where training is
needed.

Because Nestle's corporate culture is characterized by a strong emphasis on innovation,

quality, and sustainability, which demonstrates that TAG is a vital department.

However, it is important to note that culture is not static and can change over time. As such, it
is important for organizations like Nestle to regularly review and update their job analysis
processes to ensure that they reflect the changing needs of the organization and its
stakeholders, and align with the evolving culture of the organization.

3. Representative positions - Product Development Specialist

Select representative step involves selecting the jobs that will be analyzed based on their
importance and representativeness in the organization. This step involves reviewing the
organization's job titles, job descriptions, and specifications to determine which jobs are most
critical to the organization's success and which jobs represent the work performed. Based on
the second step - Organizational analysis, we have known more about the goals, structure, as
well as culture of Nestle and how they affect job analysis. Additionally, we can find a job - a
Product Development Specialist that may be critical to Nestle's success and representative of
the work performed.

Representative positions in job analysis for a Product Development Specialist position in

Nestle could include individuals who currently hold or have previously held the position.
Other positions that are related to the Product Development Specialist role may also provide
useful information in the job analysis process. Here are some examples of representative
positions:

● Product Development Manager - A Product Development Manager oversees the

development of new products and manages a team of Product Development
Specialists. They may provide insight into the key competencies and responsibilities
required for the Product Development Specialist role.
● Food Technologist - A Food Technologist is responsible for developing new food
and beverage products and ensuring that they meet regulatory and safety
 requirements. They may provide insight into the technical knowledge and skills
required for the Product Development Specialist role.
● Project Manager - A Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning and
execution of projects. They may provide insight into the project management skills
required for the Product Development Specialist role.
● Quality Control Specialist - A Quality Control Specialist is responsible for ensuring
that products meet quality standards and regulatory requirements. They may provide
insight into the quality control and regulatory knowledge required for the Product
Development Specialist role.
● Research and Development Scientist - A Research and Development Scientist is
responsible for developing new technologies and methods for creating new products.
They may provide insight into the latest trends and innovations in the food and
beverage industry, and the knowledge and skills required to stay current in the field.

Overall, representative positions can provide valuable insight into the competencies,
responsibilities, and qualifications required for a Product Development Specialist position in
Nestle. By gathering information from individuals in related positions, the job analysis can be
more thorough and accurate, leading to better outcomes in the hiring process.

4. Collect and analyze data

4.1. Type of Information Collected
a. Work activities from employee work-logs
A product development specialist will support the development of innovative and
competitive products which meet Markets and Business needs, consistent with Zone Business
Plans. In detail:
● Manage development, scale up and implementation of new and existing technologies
to improve the performance of existing products and develop new products.
● Explore innovative application of product/process possibilities based on current state-
of-the-art food technology.
● Serve as technological resource for develop a robust pipeline of product development
opportunities.
● Leverage food processing expertise to advance operational standards and training for
the current production processes.
 ● Apply deep technological expertise to projects and challenges, demonstrating highly
developed problem-solving skills and applying sound methodology to deliver an
optimal solution.
● Support product formulation including appropriate ingredient, nutritional, regulatory,
and analytical requirements.
● Act as ingredient lead for all assigned ingredients/raw material including qualification
of new raw materials and suppliers.
● Initiate and implement cost reduction ideas for assigned product lines and factories.
● Co-ordinate for some activities of packaging as KPI, regional report, compliance,
training, sharing knowledge with cross-functional team.
b. Human behaviors from interviews, questionaries and observations
Human behaviors for a product development specialist refer to the skills, knowledge,
and personal attributes necessary to excel in the role. Here are some human requirements for
a product development specialist at Nestle:
● Ability to work in a fast paced and high performing environment with autonomy
● Organizational skills & ability to manage multiple projects and assignments
● Communication skills: interpersonal, presentation, oral and written, strong networking
and stakeholder management skills
● Highly motivated, critical thinker, goal oriented and easily adapts to change and
manages through ambiguity
● Experience/knowledge and practical application of HACCP and Quality/Food Safety
Requirements. In details, HACCP is a management system in which food safety is
addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical
hazards from raw material production, procurement and handling, to manufacturing,
distribution and consumption of the finished product.
● Problem Solving Skills (Go See Think Do, DMAIC experience)
- Go See Think Do (GSTD) is a Problem Solving method used to solve day-to-
day issues. It is split ted into 3 parts: Go-See, Think and Do.
+ GO-SEE: Go to place where the project is based with a group of people who
have experience with problem related.
+ THINK : After defined what is the current problem with the locker the team
is supposed to start elaborating some improvements
+ DO : The group is supposed to organize all the feasible ideas and start
working on the solution for the problem.
 - DMAIC is an acronym that stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve,
and Control. It represents the five phases that make up the process:
1. Define the problem, improvement activity, opportunity for
improvement, the project goals, and customer (internal and external)
requirements.
2. Measure process performance.
3. Analyze the process to determine root causes of variation, poor
performance (defects).
4. Improve process performance by addressing and eliminating the root
causes.
5. Control the improved process and future process performance.
● Business acumen including an understanding of the businesses where project work is
occurring
● Understanding of the consumer and an ability to focus work with the consumer in
mind
● Computer Skills: SAP, Recipe Management Systems, Microsoft Office applications
(Excel, Power Point, Word, Access, Sharepoint, Teams)
c. Machines, tools, equipment, and work aids from observations and employee work-
logs
Nestlé likely employs a wide range of specialized equipment and technologies across
their product development division and production facilities to ensure the quality, safety, and
efficiency of their food and beverage products.
● Food Processing Equipment:
- Industrial mixers and blenders
- High-pressure homogenizers
- Heat exchangers
- Pasteurizers and sterilizers
- Conveyors and material handling systems
- Packaging machinery (e.g., form-fill-seal machines, labeling machines)
● Quality Control and Testing Equipment:
- Laboratory scales and balances
- pH meters
- Spectrophotometers for color analysis
- Texture analyzers
 - Microbiological testing equipment (e.g., incubators, agar plates)
- Chemical analysis equipment (e.g., chromatography systems)
● Packaging and Labeling Equipment:
- Packaging machines (e.g., cartoners, pouch fillers)
- Labeling machines for applying labels to packages
- Coding and marking equipment (e.g., inkjet printers, laser printers)
- Packaging material testing equipment (e.g., seal strength testers)
● Sensory Evaluation Tools:
- Sensory evaluation booths or rooms for conducting taste tests
- Sensory analysis software for data collection and analysis
- Flavor analyzers for detecting and analyzing flavors and aromas
● Research and Development Tools:
- Recipe management software for formulation and scaling
- Nutritional analysis software for calculating and labeling nutritional
information
- Food chemistry modeling software for predicting product stability and
interactions
- Lab-scale processing equipment for prototyping and testing new product
formulations
- Systems Applications and Products (SAP) in Data Processing
● Reporting Tools & Software (Microsoft Office applications)
d. Performance standards from types of interviews and questionaries
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Product Development Specialists at Nestlé
may vary based on the specific goals and objectives of the organization and the individual
projects. However, here are some common KPIs that can be applicable:
● Net Promoter Score (NPS): NPS measures the customer's willingness to recommend a
company's products or services to others. It evaluates the overall customer satisfaction
and loyalty by asking customers to rate on a scale of 0-10 how likely they are to
recommend the company. The NPS is calculated by subtracting the percentage of
detractors (those who score 0-4) from the percentage of promoters (those who score
7-10). The calculated NPS result will have a range from -100 to 100. The range of the
calculated NPS is from -100 to 100. NPS of at least 50 is required for this position
(Experience with products/services of the business is very good, customers will
recommend the brand to others)
 ● First Pass Yield (FPY): FPY measures the percentage of products or services that
meet the required quality standards on the first attempt without requiring rework or
additional processing. It is an indicator of the efficiency and effectiveness of the
production or service delivery process. For this job, FPY must be greater than 70%.
e. Job context from observations and employee work-logs
The job context of a product development specialist at Nestle can vary depending on
the industry, company, and specific role. However, here is a general overview of the job
context for this position:
● Industry: the food and beverage industry. Therefore, this position involves the
development and production of a wide range of food and beverage products.
● Company/Organization: Nestlé, a global company with a focus on nutrition, health,
and wellness. Nestlé operates in various product categories, including dairy,
confectionery, pet food, coffee, and more. Moreover, Nestle has a strong culture of
innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
● Department/Team: Product Development Specialists at Nestlé work within the
Research and Development (R&D) department or product development teams. They
collaborate with professionals from various functions, including marketing, quality
assurance, supply chain, and regulatory affairs.
● Market and Competition: Nestlé operates in a highly competitive market, and Product
Development Specialists analyze market trends, consumer preferences, and
competitive products to develop innovative and market-leading food and beverage
products.
● Regulatory and Compliance: Nestlé, like any food and beverage company, must
comply with strict regulations and quality standards. Product Development Specialists
ensure that products meet legal and regulatory requirements related to safety, labeling,
nutritional content, and other applicable regulations.
f. Human requirements from interviews, questionaries and observation
Human requirements for product development specialist can vary from person to
person, but here are some common needs that individuals in this role often seek to fulfill:
● Intellectual Stimulation: Product development specialists often have a strong need for
intellectual stimulation. They thrive on challenging projects that require problem-
solving, critical thinking, and creativity. They seek opportunities to engage in
complex tasks that allow them to utilize their skills and knowledge to develop
innovative solutions.
● Purpose and Meaning: Many product development specialists have a deep need for
purpose and meaning in their work. They want to contribute to the creation of
products that make a positive impact on people's lives, address customer needs, and
drive business growth. Having a sense of purpose in their work gives them a sense of
fulfillment and motivation.
● Autonomy and Ownership: Product development specialists often have a need for
autonomy and ownership over their work. They value having the freedom to make
decisions, take responsibility for their projects, and have a say in the direction of
product development. This level of autonomy allows them to showcase their expertise
and creativity.
● Collaboration and Teamwork: While autonomy is valued, product development
specialists also have a need for collaboration and teamwork. They enjoy working in
cross-functional teams, collaborating with designers, engineers, marketers, and other
stakeholders. Effective teamwork allows them to leverage diverse perspectives,
exchange ideas, and collectively work towards successful product development.
● Recognition and Appreciation: Like any professional, product development specialists
have a need for recognition and appreciation for their contributions. They value
feedback from their peers and superiors, acknowledgement of their achievements, and
opportunities for career advancement. Recognition and appreciation validate their
efforts and foster a positive work environment.
● Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Product development specialists have a
need for competitive compensation and benefits. They expect to be fairly rewarded
for their skills, expertise, and contributions to the organization. Competitive salaries,
bonuses, and comprehensive benefits packages help fulfil their financial and security
needs.
● Professional Respect and Growth Opportunities: Product development specialists seek
professional respect and recognition within their field. They value opportunities for
career growth, advancement, and the ability to take on more challenging and
impactful projects. They appreciate organizations that foster a culture of professional
development and provide opportunities for advancement.
● Work Environment and Culture: A positive work environment and culture are
essential for product development specialists. They seek organizations that foster
collaboration, open communication, and a supportive atmosphere. A healthy work
environment contributes to job satisfaction, creativity, and overall well-being.
4.2. Job Analysis Methods
Nestle, as an organization, may utilize various methods to conduct job analysis and
determine the relevant information for their job roles. Some of the methods that Nestle may
employ include:
a. Employee interviews
Nestle can conduct employee interviews either face-to-face or through virtual
meetings using video conferencing tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. They may prepare a
set of interview questions and engage in one-on-one or group interviews with employees.
Nestle could conduct interviews with product development engineers to gather
insights on their roles and responsibilities. They can inquire about the specific tasks involved
in developing new products, such as conducting research, formulating recipes, and testing
prototypes.
Here are some questions that Nestle may ask during employee interviews in the
context of product development:
● Can you describe the typical tasks and responsibilities you undertake as a product
development engineer?
Note: Candidate explains responsibilities such as conducting research, designing
experiments, developing prototypes, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-
functional teams.
● What is the process you follow when developing a new product from concept to
launch?
Note: Candidate outlines a step-by-step process including market research, ideation,
concept development, formulation, prototyping, testing, refinement, manufacturing
scale-up, and commercial launch.
● How do you conduct research and gather insights to inform your product development
decisions?
Note: Candidate mentions using various research methods such as consumer surveys,
focus groups, trend analysis, market reports, and competitor analysis to gather insights
and make informed decisions.
● Can you provide examples of specific projects you have worked on and the outcomes
achieved?
 Note: Candidate shares examples of past projects, such as developing a low-sugar
beverage line that contributed to a 15% sales increase and received positive consumer
feedback.
● What techniques or methodologies do you employ when formulating recipes or
conducting sensory evaluations?
Note: Candidate discusses using formulation software, statistical analysis, sensory
panels, and consumer testing to optimize recipes and ensure sensory appeal of
products.
● How do you collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, R&D,
packaging) during the product development process?
Note: Candidate explains their experience in facilitating regular meetings, maintaining
open communication channels, aligning goals, and leveraging each team's expertise to
achieve project objectives.
● What challenges have you encountered during product development, and how did you
overcome them?
Note: Candidate shares specific challenges, such as ingredient sourcing issues or
unexpected technical limitations, and describes problem-solving strategies and
successful resolutions.
● How do you ensure that products meet quality standards and comply with regulatory
requirements?
Note: Candidate highlights their knowledge of quality control procedures, testing
protocols, compliance with food safety regulations, and documentation to ensure
product quality and safety.
● Can you describe any innovative approaches or techniques you have used to enhance
the product development process?
Note: Candidate provides examples of adopting rapid prototyping methods, utilizing
predictive modeling tools, or implementing agile development methodologies to
streamline the process and improve efficiency.
● What tools or software applications do you utilize in your role to support product
development activities?
Note: Candidate mentions using software like CAD (Computer-Aided Design),
project management tools, data analysis software, formulation databases, or sensory
evaluation software to support their work.
 b. Supervisor interviews
Similar to employee interviews, Nestle can conduct supervisor interviews using video
conferencing tools or in-person meetings. They can schedule meetings with supervisors to
discuss job roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations.
Nestle may interview project managers or team leaders responsible for overseeing
product development initiatives. These interviews can provide information about the overall
project objectives, timelines, resource allocation, and coordination with cross-functional
teams.
Here are some questions that Nestle may ask during supervisor interviews in the
context of product development:
● Can you provide an overview of your role as a supervisor in the product development
department?
Note: Candidate provides a summary of their supervisory role, including
responsibilities such as managing a team, overseeing project execution, ensuring
compliance with company standards, and driving innovation.
● What are the key objectives and responsibilities you have in managing product
development projects?
Note: Candidate outlines objectives like delivering high-quality products, meeting
project timelines, managing budgets, fostering collaboration, and driving continuous
improvement.
● How do you ensure effective coordination and communication among the team
members involved in product development?
Note: Candidate describes strategies such as regular team meetings, clear
communication channels, utilizing project management tools, establishing
performance feedback loops, and promoting a collaborative work environment.
● What strategies do you employ to meet project deadlines and ensure timely delivery
of new products?
Note: Candidate discusses techniques like setting clear milestones, breaking down
tasks, assigning resources appropriately, monitoring progress, addressing bottlenecks
proactively, and implementing contingency plans.
● How do you assess the skills and capabilities of your team members to assign tasks
and responsibilities?
 Note: Candidate mentions techniques like conducting performance evaluations,
analyzing individual strengths and weaknesses, considering past experiences, seeking
input from team members, and aligning tasks with skill sets.
● Can you describe the process you follow to monitor and evaluate the progress of
product development projects?
Note: Candidate explains practices such as establishing project milestones, tracking
deliverables, utilizing project management software, conducting regular progress
reviews, and adjusting plans as necessary.
● How do you facilitate cross-functional collaboration between different teams involved
in product development, such as R&D, marketing, and packaging?
Note: Candidate highlights their experience in fostering communication, organizing
cross-functional meetings, aligning goals and objectives, establishing clear roles and
responsibilities, and facilitating knowledge sharing.
● How do you handle conflicts or challenges that arise during the product development
process, both within the team and with external stakeholders?
Note: Candidate describes conflict resolution techniques, such as active listening,
facilitating constructive discussions, finding common ground, involving appropriate
stakeholders, and maintaining focus on project objectives.
● What metrics or key performance indicators do you use to measure the success of
product development projects?
Note: Candidate mentions using metrics like product quality, time to market, cost
efficiency, customer satisfaction, sales performance, and market share as indicators of
project success.
● Can you provide an example of a successful product development project you have
supervised and highlight the strategies or practices that contributed to its success?
Note: Candidate shares a specific project, describes the strategies employed, such as
effective team communication, efficient resource allocation, stakeholder engagement,
and proactive risk management, and highlights its positive outcomes.

c. Structured questionnaires
Nestle can create structured questionnaires using online survey platforms such as
SurveyMonkey or Google Forms. They can distribute the questionnaires electronically to
employees, supervisors, or other stakeholders and collect their responses electronically as
well.
 Nestle can create structured questionnaires and distribute them to product developers.
The questionnaires can capture details about the development process, including idea
generation, concept testing, product formulation, sensory evaluation, and quality control
procedures.
Here are some questions that Nestle may include in structured questionnaires for
employees involved in product development:
● On a scale of 1 to 5, please rate the importance of the following tasks in the product
development process: market research, concept ideation, recipe formulation, sensory
evaluation, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
● How frequently do you collaborate with other teams or departments (e.g., marketing,
R&D, packaging) during the product development process?
● Please rate your level of proficiency in utilizing software tools and applications
relevant to product development, such as recipe management systems, sensory
evaluation software, or project management tools.
● How would you rate the effectiveness of communication within your product
development team, both in terms of clarity of information and timeliness of updates?
● What are the most common challenges you encounter during the product development
process, and how do you typically address them?
Note: Employee identifies common challenges such as ingredient availability,
formulation difficulties, or timeline constraints and notes their typical approaches to
addressing them, such as seeking alternative suppliers or adjusting project timelines.
● How satisfied are you with the level of support and resources provided for product
development activities, including budget, equipment, and training opportunities?
Note: Employee expresses their satisfaction level with support and resources provided
as "satisfied" or provides specific feedback on areas where improvements can be
made.
● Please rate your level of involvement in each stage of the product development
process, from concept generation to launch.
● How often do you participate in professional development activities, such as
workshops, conferences, or training sessions related to product development?
● How frequently are your product development projects evaluated for their alignment
with market trends, consumer preferences, and business goals?
● In your opinion, what are the key factors that contribute to the successful launch of a
new product, and how well do you believe Nestle currently addresses these factors?
 Note: Employee provides their opinion on key success factors (e.g., consumer
insights, effective marketing, quality control) and evaluates Nestle's performance in
addressing them, providing specific feedback or suggestions for improvement.
d. Open-ended questionnaires
Similar to structured questionnaires, Nestle can use online survey platforms to create
open-ended questionnaires. These questionnaires allow respondents to provide descriptive
responses and elaborate on their experiences, challenges, and suggestions related to the job.
Nestle could use open-ended questionnaires to collect feedback from product
development team members regarding their experiences and suggestions for improving the
product development process. This can include questions about collaboration,
communication, and innovation within the team.
Here are some open-ended questions that Nestle may include in questionnaires for
employees involved in product development:
● Please describe your role and responsibilities in the product development process.
What are the key tasks you are responsible for?
Note: Employee provides a detailed description of their role, outlining responsibilities
such as market research, ideation, formulation, prototyping, testing, analysis, and
collaboration with cross-functional teams.
● Can you provide an example of a recent product development project you worked on?
Describe the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
Note: Employee shares a specific project example, identifies challenges such as
ingredient availability, technical difficulties, or tight timelines, and describes their
problem-solving strategies or adaptive approaches to overcome these challenges.
● In your opinion, what are the most important factors to consider when developing new
products that meet customer needs and preferences?
Note: Employee expresses their opinion on important factors, such as understanding
consumer insights, identifying market trends, conducting thorough research, ensuring
sensory appeal, and aligning with customer expectations and preferences.
● How do you incorporate consumer insights or market research findings into your
product development decisions?
Note: Employee explains their process of gathering and analyzing consumer insights,
utilizing market research data, and translating those findings into actionable decisions
throughout the product development lifecycle.
● Can you share an innovative approach or technique you have used in the product
development process? How did it contribute to the success of the project?
Note: Employee provides an example of an innovative approach or technique they
have employed, describes its impact on the project's success, and highlights the
benefits it brought to the product development process.
● What are the main communication channels or tools you use to collaborate with cross-
functional teams during the product development process?
Note: Employee lists the communication channels or tools they utilize, such as regular
team meetings, project management software, email, virtual collaboration platforms,
or shared document repositories.
● What kind of resources or support do you require to enhance your effectiveness in
product development? Are there any specific areas where you feel additional support
would be beneficial?
Note: Employee identifies resources or support needed, such as access to specialized
equipment, training on new technologies, additional budget for research or
prototyping, or support from subject matter experts in specific areas.
● How do you ensure that the products you develop meet quality standards and comply
with regulatory requirements? Can you describe any specific procedures or checks
you follow?
Note: Employee outlines their approach to quality control, compliance with
regulations, and the procedures or checks they follow, such as implementing rigorous
testing protocols, conducting regular audits, and ensuring traceability of ingredients.
● How do you approach risk assessment and mitigation in the product development
process? Are there any specific measures or protocols you follow?
Note: Employee describes their methods for identifying and assessing risks,
implementing risk mitigation strategies, following established protocols, and ensuring
product safety and integrity throughout the development process.
● From your perspective, what improvements or changes would you suggest to enhance
the overall product development process at Nestle?
Note: Employee provides their suggestions for improving the product development
process, such as streamlining communication, increasing cross-functional
collaboration, adopting new technologies, or implementing more efficient project
management practices.
 e. Observation
Nestle may assign trained observers to directly observe employees while they perform
their job tasks. Observers can use checklists or electronic tools to record their observations
and gather data about job activities, work processes, and employee interactions.
Nestle may directly observe product development team members during
brainstorming sessions or ideation workshops. Observers can note the techniques used,
creativity levels, team dynamics, and problem-solving approaches employed by the team.
Here are some specific aspects Nestle might observe during the product development
process:
● Collaboration and Team Dynamics: Observers can assess how well team members
collaborate and communicate with each other. They can observe team meetings,
brainstorming sessions, and group discussions to evaluate the level of engagement,
idea sharing, and overall synergy among team members.
● Idea Generation and Concept Development: Observers can witness the process of
generating new product ideas and developing concepts. They can note the methods
used, such as brainstorming, prototyping, or market research, and observe how ideas
are refined and transformed into viable product concepts.
● Research and Development: Observers can track the activities of researchers and
developers involved in product formulation, recipe creation, and sensory evaluation.
They can observe laboratory procedures, data collection methods, and the utilization
of scientific principles in the development process.
● Cross-Functional Collaboration: Observers can assess how different teams, such as
marketing, research and development, and packaging, collaborate during product
development. They can observe meetings, interactions, and joint decision-making
processes to evaluate the effectiveness of cross-functional collaboration.
● Quality Control and Compliance: Observers can monitor quality control procedures
throughout the product development process. They can assess how quality standards
are implemented, adherence to regulatory requirements, and the effectiveness of
quality control checks at different stages of development.
● Testing and Evaluation: Observers can witness sensory evaluations, product testing,
and feedback sessions. They can observe how products are evaluated for taste,
texture, appearance, and other sensory attributes. They can also note the
methodologies used for consumer testing and gathering feedback.
 ● Project Management and Timelines: Observers can track project management
practices and adherence to timelines. They can observe how project milestones are
set, monitored, and met, and whether adjustments are made to accommodate
unforeseen challenges or changes in priorities.
● Innovation and Problem-Solving: Observers can identify instances of innovation and
problem-solving within the product development process. They can note how teams
tackle challenges, generate creative solutions, and apply innovative approaches to
enhance product development outcomes.
f. Employee work-logs
Nestle can provide employees with digital work-log templates or use specialized
software applications that allow employees to log their daily activities, tasks, and time spent
on each task. These logs can be collected electronically for analysis.
Nestle could ask product developers to maintain work-logs where they record their
daily activities and progress in developing new products. These logs can provide insights into
the time spent on different stages of the development process, challenges faced, and lessons
learned.
When using the Employee Work-logs method, Nestle can ask employees involved in
product development to maintain detailed logs of their daily activities and progress. Here are
some specific elements that can be included in the work-logs:
● Date and Time: Employees should record the date and time for each entry to provide a
chronological record of their activities.
● Task Description: Employees should provide a detailed description of the tasks they
worked on during the day. This can include activities such as research, concept
development, recipe formulation, sensory evaluation, meetings, or any other relevant
tasks.
● Duration: Employees should note the amount of time spent on each task or activity.
This helps in understanding the allocation of time and identifying areas that may
require more or less time in the future.
● Challenges and Solutions: Employees can document any challenges they encountered
during the day and the solutions or approaches they used to overcome them. This
provides insights into problem-solving abilities and areas where additional support
may be required.
 ● Milestones or Accomplishments: Employees can highlight any significant milestones
achieved or notable accomplishments during the day. This can include completing a
phase of the project, reaching a target, or successfully resolving an issue.
● Collaboration and Communication: Employees can note any collaboration or
communication activities that they are engaged in during the day. This can include
interactions with team members, cross-functional teams, or stakeholders, both within
and outside the organization.
● Lessons Learned: Employees can reflect on their day's work and document any
lessons or insights gained. This helps in continuous improvement by identifying areas
for enhancement or adjustments in the future.
g. General evaluation about methods used by Nestle for Job Analysis
Employee interviews along with supervisor interviews are conducted by the
organization to find out the tasks that need to be performed under a job. Such interviews can
also be panel or group or even individual at times.
Structured questionnaires are filled out by all the employees and supervisors, within a
particular department, after every six months.
Observation is not the most popular method used at the organization but nevertheless,
it is used by supervisors to get all the information relating to the job analysis of a particular
job.

5. Verify

Verification is a critical step in the job analysis process to ensure that the information
gathered accurately reflects the essential functions and qualifications required for a Product
Development Specialist position in Nestle. There are some ways Nestle verify the job
analysis:

● Conduct a job review

After gathering information from interviews, questionnaires and observation, Nestle conducts
a job review with current or previous Product Development Specialists. This review can be
used to ensure that the information gathered accurately reflects the essential functions and
qualifications required for the position.
According to Nestlé Employee Reviews for Product Development Specialist, one employee
reviews: "Great product development job. Fit my skills perfectly. Nice amenities. Great work
team. Excellent salary, team and leadership".

● Consult with subject matter experts

Consulting with subject matter experts, such as senior leaders in the organization or
individuals with specialized knowledge in the field of product development, can provide
valuable feedback on the job analysis. These experts can help ensure that the job analysis is
comprehensive and accurate.

● Review the job analysis with HR and legal teams

Reviewing the job analysis with HR and legal teams can help ensure that the information
gathered complies with all applicable laws and regulations, and that it aligns with the
company's HR policies and practices.

As a wellbeing company, Nestlé is bound to maintain the compliance issues; as a result this
job analysis mainly focuses on the existing and new rules imposed by the Government and
WHO. Along with that Nestle also has its own required principle for Product Development
Specialists to ensure the nutrition and quality factors for its products through the process of
product development.

● Conduct a pilot test

Conducting a pilot test of the job analysis can help ensure that the information gathered
accurately reflects the essential functions and qualifications required for the position. This
pilot test can involve selecting a small group of current or potential Product Development
Specialists and using the job analysis to evaluate their competencies and qualifications for the
role.

Overall, verification is an important step in the job analysis process for a Product
Development Specialist position in Nestle. By using multiple verification methods, the
company can ensure that the job analysis accurately reflects the essential functions and
qualifications required for the position, and that it aligns with the company's HR policies and
practices.
6. Job description and specification
● The job title: Product Development Specialist
● Department: Technical Applications Group (TAG)
● Requisition ID: 173505
● Location: Solon, OH
● Time type: Full time
● Poste date: 22/09/2023
● Job Summary:
Does working in product development to enable business goals while leveraging your
experience to solve problems, propose optimization solutions, and create new and robust
products sound interesting and engaging to you?
Join our product development team, known as the Technical Applications Group (TAG)! You
will work across multiple product brands in the world’s largest Food Company. We are
looking for someone with a growth mind-set that is willing to leverage their experince
learning new products, systems, and solutions.
● Primary responsibilities:

+ Implementation of Innovation & Renovation strategy for the supported product

categories in the market. Leverage technical experience to develop, implement, and
execute creative product/process development activities (e.g. bench top, pilot plant,
and internal/external factory) to achieve project goals and deadlines to delight the
consumer.

+ As the Technical Lead: Apply leadership, coaching and influencing skills to steer
the project in accordance with Key Success Criteria to deliver the project on time, at
or below the COGS target, and in a way that delights the consumer.

+ Formulate the product within our capabilities

+ Match the product shown in consumer testing (and don’t allow it to be fielded if
you don’t have a path to execution)

+ Do a robust complaint reduction exercise and mitigate the key risks

+ Ensure the proper controls are in place to match the gold standard every time.
+ Act as the key point of contact TO the factory to ensure proper implementation of
the technical solution

+ Introduction of new products and processes within factories. Collaborate and

influence internal and external project teams (Teams are made up of R&D, Product
Developers, Project Managers, Quality, Regulatory, Engineering, Packaging,
Factories, Marketing, Co-Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Supply Chain, etc.) to
develop, industrialize, and launch Innovation and Renovation projects.

+ Provide working equipment / product knowledge guidance and support to the

Factory / R&D / Engineering resources during the development of new technology
and processes

+ Continuously improve/optimize current products and processes within factories

according to local business needs and supply situation and/or implementation of
initiatives. Lead technical projects including technical assistance, sourcing, quality
improvements, compliance, and productivity cost savings. This includes establishing
and managing timelines, uncovering roadblocks, defining critical paths, and
identifying resource constraints.

+ Ensure adherence to all products, processes, materials standards. Comply with

Nestlé requirements (includes 60/40+), external standards, and local regulatory
framework. Identify, influence, and lead the development of the product and process
standards within the Nestlé systems.

+ Act as Quality Lead for various projects as assigned. This includes practical
application of HACCP/Food Safety fundamentals, new material onboarding,
allergen/claims validation and process capability.

+ Continuous improvement of technical skills and personal development, while being

a proactive affiliate member of a Nestlé Expert Network and/or external networks.
Acts as an ambassador for Nestle USA TAG when representing globally or externally.

+ Develop expertise for product and process mastership within TAG Assist in the
development of competencies and training materials required for product/process
mastership to enable manufacturing excellence. This includes knowledge and formula
 expertise in both product and process. Helps to build capability and process mastery
within the factory and TAG. Represents TAG in general conversations as a SME on
manufacturing finished product.

+ Provide first line support to factories.

+ Especially in the areas of ingredient, recipe and processing to ensure consistent

production of high-quality products for the consumer

● Job specilization
- Education:
+ A BS or MS degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering or
related field or equivalent practical experience.
+ Position requires approximately 25% travel.
- Experiences:
+ Prefer minimum 3 years of product or process development experience in CPG or
related field.
- Skills:
+ Ability to work in a fast paced and high performing environment with autonomy
+ Organizational skills & ability to manage multiple projects and assignments, Project
Management Skills and Capabilities
+ Communication skills: interpersonal, presentation, oral and written, strong
networking and stakeholder management skills
+ Highly motivated, critical thinker, goal oriented and easily adapts to change and
manages through ambiguity
+ Experience/knowledge and practical application of HACCP and Quality/Food
Safety Requirements
+ Problem Solving Skills (Go See Think Do, DMAIC experience)
+ Business acumen including an understanding of the businesses where project work
is occurring
+ Understanding of the consumer and an ability to focus work with the consumer in
mind
+ Computer Skills: SAP, Recipe Management Systems, Microsoft Office
applications: Excel, Power Point, Word, Access, Sharepoint, Teams