The R&D Director, Specialty Flavor & Ingredients APAC is responsible for the scientific and technical direction and leadership of the APAC Flavor Creation and Application Team across two geographic locations (Singapore and China). Coordinate strategic direction of the Creation and Application function across APAC – ensuring alignment to Commercial Business Strategy (APZ & China Specialty Flavors & Ingredients) ensuring cross functional alignment and engagement at all levels.
KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build technological and leadership capabilities across Flavor creation and Application team by developing an efficient team striving for excellence, performance and shared accountability. Develop top talent and manage and develop technical and leadership competency to address succession planning needs. Create a robust technical community to develop best in class practices and allow transfer of knowledge across functions, whilst maintaining required confidentiality.
- Lead Flavor creation and Application activities to build-up raw material palette, local and relevant portfolio/collection, and support flawless formula localization and/or rationalization to improve margin performance that delivers a competitive edge.
- Implement effective systems and processes to enable functional and organizational effectiveness. Ensure activities related to the functional compliance with relevant Acts/ Legal Requirements, Business Ethics and Food Manufacturing Standards. Manage adherence to applicable Global, Regional and Local policies and standards to protect proprietary information.
- Serve as technical expert and advisor to marketing, sales, flavor creation, application, sensory and customers for multiple applications and creations. Consistently participate as APAC representative in relevant Global and Regional McCormick forums ensuring APAC alignment with functional goals and supporting the sharing of best practices and innovation ideas. Provide direction from the local applications and/or creation standpoint for the development of S+T strategies.
- Responsible for the overall health and safety of the APAC Flavor Creation and Application team ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 15 Years Flavor Creation in the Flavor and Food Industries;
- Extensive experience in Flavor Creation and Application and Analytical Science;
- Experience in leading product development and technical teams across various product categories (Wet and Dry);
- Experience in international Flavor Houses;
- Experience in the commissioning, qualification and validation of a Greenfields manufacturing site preferred.
- BSc (Food Science), Quality / Research & Development
- Must have a comprehensive international understanding of the Flavor and Food Industries including product manufacture/ technology;
- Contribute to strategic thinking on the Long-Term Planning (LTP) for Asia Pacific R&D as well as input into Global R&D Strategy;
- Knowledge and experience in both Flavour and science/technology. Experience with Wet and Dry Categories – Herbs, Spices, Condiments, Sauces, Coating, Seasonings also highly regarded;
- Understands the business impact (profit, cost and risk) of any decisions made on product, process and regulatory issues;
- Insight and understanding of key regulatory changes – Partner with QA&RA functions to ensure understanding and of business impact and risk mitigation.
