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Graduate Program - Product Development Associate F/H - Job Opportunity at Nestlé Purina

Aubigny-sur-Nère, France
Temporary
Entry-level
Posted: June 27, 2025
On-site
EUR 35,000-42,000 annually. This estimate reflects the graduate program nature, 18-month temporary contract structure, and Nestlé's competitive compensation philosophy for entry-level technical roles in France. The position offers significant value through comprehensive training, mentorship, and career development opportunities that typically translate to higher starting salaries in subsequent permanent roles within multinational FMCG companies.

Benefits

18-month structured graduate program providing comprehensive professional development in a global FMCG leader
Mentorship program with dedicated senior professionals offering personalized career guidance and technical expertise development
Access to Nestlé's global expert networks enabling knowledge sharing and cross-functional collaboration across international markets
Exposure to cutting-edge R&D facilities and advanced food processing technologies in pet nutrition
International work environment with multilingual teams enhancing global business acumen and cultural competency
Professional development through the Nestlé Leadership Framework supporting long-term career progression
Hands-on experience with premium pet food brands including FELIX, PURINA ONE, GOURMET, PROPLAN, and FRISKIES

Key Responsibilities

Drive scientific innovation by designing and executing comprehensive feeding studies, protocols, and systems that directly support product innovation and nutritional claims validation, positioning the company at the forefront of pet nutrition science
Lead cross-functional project management initiatives collaborating with R&D, Marketing, Legal, Quality, and Procurement teams while leveraging Nestlé's global expert networks to deliver strategic product development outcomes
Deliver high-impact technical communications and maintain critical documentation systems including I2L and Documentum, ensuring knowledge transfer and regulatory compliance across international markets
Spearhead innovation initiatives through ideation sessions and consumer research participation, staying current with advances in pet and human nutrition to drive competitive advantage and market differentiation
Ensure regulatory compliance and risk management by adhering to Nestlé's intellectual property policies, food safety standards, quality protocols, and environmental guidelines including raw material assessments
Provide strategic cross-functional support to PTC operations while contributing to the development of scientific and technical strategies that align with business objectives
Execute flexible project management across various development phases with travel requirements, demonstrating adaptability in dynamic international business environments

Requirements

Education

MSc or PhD in Food Science, Meat Science, Biochemistry, Nutrition (ideally animal nutrition), or related fields; advanced degree preferred

Experience

No prior professional experience required, but excellent academic and technical foundation is essential

Required Skills

Strong understanding of raw materials, food formulation, and/or advanced food processing technologies Proficient in English (minimum TOEIC 600 or equivalent), with strong oral and written communication skills in an international context Familiarity with R&D and operations project management; ability to manage multiple tasks effectively Experience conducting literature reviews and working both independently and collaboratively Willingness to develop expertise and grow within the Nestlé Leadership Framework
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The pet food industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by humanization trends, with pet owners increasingly demanding premium, scientifically-formulated nutrition products that mirror human food quality standards. This trend is creating significant opportunities for food scientists specializing in pet nutrition to develop innovative products that address specific health needs and lifestyle preferences of pets and their owners. Sustainable and ethical sourcing has become a critical differentiator in the pet food market, with companies investing heavily in alternative protein sources, regenerative agriculture, and circular economy principles. Product development professionals are now required to balance nutritional excellence with environmental responsibility, creating new technical challenges and innovation opportunities. Digital transformation and data analytics are revolutionizing product development processes in the food industry, with companies leveraging AI, machine learning, and advanced sensory analysis to accelerate innovation cycles and improve product success rates. This technological shift is creating demand for technically skilled professionals who can bridge traditional food science with modern digital methodologies.

Role Significance

Typically operates within a cross-functional team structure of 8-12 professionals including R&D scientists, quality specialists, marketing professionals, and procurement experts. The role involves direct collaboration with 3-4 core team members while interfacing with broader networks of 20-30 internal stakeholders and external partners across Nestlé's global operations.
This is a structured entry-level professional development role designed to fast-track high-potential graduates into mid-level technical positions within Nestlé's global organization. The position combines hands-on technical work with strategic project involvement, positioning graduates for accelerated career progression into senior scientist or project management roles within 3-5 years.

Key Projects

Development and reformulation of premium pet food products targeting specific life stages, breed sizes, or health conditions, requiring comprehensive nutritional analysis and feeding trial management Implementation of sustainable ingredient sourcing initiatives involving alternative protein evaluation, supply chain optimization, and regulatory compliance across multiple markets Consumer insight-driven product innovation projects combining sensory analysis, palatability testing, and market research to develop breakthrough products that address emerging pet owner needs

Success Factors

Technical excellence in food science fundamentals combined with specialized knowledge in pet nutrition, palatability, and feeding behavior, enabling the development of products that meet both nutritional requirements and consumer preferences in the competitive pet food market. Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills are essential for navigating complex matrix organizations and delivering results across diverse teams including R&D, marketing, regulatory, and operations. Success requires the ability to influence without authority and build consensus among stakeholders with varying priorities and expertise levels. Cultural adaptability and international mindset are crucial for success in Nestlé's global environment, requiring the ability to work effectively across time zones, languages, and cultural contexts while maintaining consistent quality standards and brand values across diverse markets. Continuous learning orientation and intellectual curiosity are fundamental for staying current with rapidly evolving scientific research, regulatory requirements, and consumer trends in the dynamic pet food industry where innovation cycles are accelerating and competitive pressures are intensifying.

Market Demand

High demand driven by the expanding pet food market, increasing focus on scientific innovation in pet nutrition, and the shortage of specialized food scientists with knowledge in animal nutrition. The combination of technical expertise requirements and the growing premium pet food segment creates excellent career prospects for qualified candidates.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Food science and nutrition expertise forms the foundation for all technical decisions and product development activities, requiring deep understanding of ingredient functionality, processing impacts, and nutritional requirements specific to pet physiology and life stages. This knowledge directly impacts product quality, regulatory compliance, and market success. Project management and cross-functional collaboration skills are essential for delivering results in Nestlé's complex matrix organization, where success depends on the ability to coordinate diverse stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and maintain project momentum across multiple time zones and cultural contexts. English proficiency and international communication capabilities are fundamental for accessing Nestlé's global knowledge networks, participating in international project teams, and leveraging best practices from operations worldwide. These skills directly impact career progression opportunities and project success rates.

Beneficial Skills

Data analysis and statistical skills are increasingly valuable for interpreting consumer research, analyzing feeding trial results, and supporting evidence-based decision making in product development processes that require scientific substantiation and regulatory compliance Regulatory knowledge and claim substantiation expertise provide competitive advantage in navigating complex international food safety requirements and supporting marketing claims that differentiate products in competitive markets Sustainability and environmental science understanding enhances ability to contribute to Nestlé's environmental commitments and develop products that meet evolving consumer expectations for responsible sourcing and manufacturing practices

Unique Aspects

This graduate program offers rare access to Nestlé's global expert networks and proprietary research capabilities, providing exposure to cutting-edge pet nutrition science and advanced food processing technologies that are typically not available in smaller companies or academic settings
The role combines hands-on technical work with strategic business exposure, offering graduates the opportunity to understand both the scientific and commercial aspects of product development in a highly competitive consumer goods market
The 18-month program structure provides focused professional development with mentorship support, designed to accelerate career progression and prepare graduates for senior technical or management roles within Nestlé's global organization

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 2-3 years for high-performing graduates, with advancement to senior individual contributor roles expected within 3-4 years and initial management responsibilities within 4-6 years. The structured nature of Nestlé's development programs and global mobility opportunities can accelerate this timeline for exceptional performers.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Product Development Scientist positions involving leadership of complex technical projects, management of junior staff, and responsibility for product portfolio strategy within specific brand categories or geographic regions Technical Project Manager roles focusing on cross-functional leadership of major product launches, process improvements, or technology implementations across multiple markets with P&L responsibility Regulatory Affairs Manager positions specializing in pet food legislation, claim substantiation, and market entry strategies for new products or ingredients across international markets R&D Team Leader roles involving management of scientific staff, budget responsibility, and strategic planning for innovation pipelines aligned with business objectives and market opportunities

Company Overview

Nestlé Purina

Nestlé Purina represents one of the world's largest and most established pet care companies, operating as a division of Nestlé S.A., the global food and beverage leader. With over 125 years of experience in pet nutrition, the company has built an extensive portfolio of premium brands and maintains significant market presence across more than 80 countries, combining scientific expertise with deep consumer insights.

Nestlé Purina holds a dominant position in the global pet food market, competing directly with Mars Petcare and Hill's Pet Nutrition as one of the top three industry leaders. The company's market strength is built on scientific innovation, brand portfolio diversity, manufacturing scale, and distribution capabilities that create significant competitive advantages and barriers to entry.
The Aubigny location represents a strategically important R&D and manufacturing hub for Nestlé Purina's European operations, serving as a center of excellence for product development and technical innovation. This facility's role in the company's European supply chain and innovation network provides graduates with exposure to both local market needs and global product development strategies.
Nestlé maintains a performance-driven culture that emphasizes scientific rigor, consumer focus, and sustainable business practices. The work environment combines the resources and stability of a large multinational corporation with the innovation focus and agility required to compete in rapidly evolving consumer markets, offering employees opportunities for global mobility and career development.
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