Head – R&D

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities (KRAs):

- Define the right R&D and CTS organization, adapted to the business needs; create agility by optimizing resources when needed. Assure a synergistic collaboration between the R&D and CTS teams resulting in a better output and a shorter time to market
- Manage the innovation pipeline, in line with the Group strategy and guidelines (H&WB, sustainability, focus channels, key customers) and with current and future customer needs. Always assure compliance to local regulations; Boost, promote and enable the development and implementation of strategic and international innovation products and services.
- Provide support to operations (production, QC, QA) for the implementation of new ingredients and products on our lines, during the startup of new lines, for process improvement projects, for non-conformities and customer complaints, for approval of 2 nd suppliers. Take a pro-active approach to reduce the cost of our products, in collaboration with purchase and operations.
- Be an active member of the management team and assure good implementation of the projects in the local organization.
- Contribute to a trustful collaboration, inspire the teams with new products, services, concepts and ideas, and assure a close collaboration that results in a smooth implementation and a shorter time to market.
- Create a strong internal and external network.
-Strong R&D expertise, scientific curiosity, and digital savviness.
-Inspiring team leader, attracting and developing a diverse team of talents.
-Strong Customer orientation and commercial drive (driving projects into sales);
-Capable of translating a business strategy into an R&D strategy.
-Good networker within/out of the organization.
-Able to turn needs into unique, purpose-driven solutions for customers.
-Minimum 5 years experience in applied R&D from the international food industry.
-Having 3 years experience in leading the R&D activity and team from the international food industry.
-R&D experience from the bakery, patisserie or chocolate industry is a must.
-Knowledge in food regulations.
-Languages: Fluent in English.