The R&D Director, Flavor & Ingredients, will oversee and lead the scientific and technical aspects of our Flavor Creation and Application team. You will report directly to the CEO. This role is critical in coordinating the strategic direction of flavor development and application, ensuring it aligns with our Commercial Business Strategy, and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
Team Development and Leadership:
- Enhance the technological and leadership capabilities of the Flavor Creation and Application team.
- Build a high-performing team focused on excellence, shared accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Identify and develop top talent within the team, ensuring a succession plan by boosting technical and leadership skills.
- Create a strong technical community that promotes best practices and facilitates knowledge sharing while maintaining confidentiality.
Flavor Creation and Application:
- Lead activities aimed at broadening the raw material palette and developing a relevant flavor portfolio.
- Ensure efficient formula localization and rationalization to enhance margin performance and maintain competitive positioning.
Systems and Compliance:
- Implement effective systems and processes to improve organizational efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws, business ethics, and food manufacturing standards.
- Protect proprietary information by adhering to global, regional, and local policies and standards.
Technical Expertise and Advisory:
- Act as a technical advisor to marketing, sales, flavor creation, application, sensory teams, and customers.
- Participate in relevant forums to ensure alignment with functional goals and promote the sharing of best practices and innovation.
- Provide strategic direction for the development of science and technology strategies from a flavor application and creation perspectives.
Health and Safety:
Ensure the health and safety of the Flavor Creation and Application team by maintaining compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
Requirements:
- 15+ years of experience in Flavor Creation within the flavor and food industries.
- Extensive experience in flavor creation, application, and analytical science.
- Proven track record of leading product development and technical teams across various product categories.
- Experience working in international flavor houses.
- Preferred experience in commissioning, qualification, and validation of new manufacturing/lab sites.
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Quality, or Research & Development.
- Comprehensive understanding of the flavor and food industries, including product manufacturing and technology.
- Ability to contribute to long-term planning and provide input into the global R&D strategy.
- Expertise in both flavor science and technology, with experience in a broad range of applications.
- Understanding the business impact of decisions related to products, processes, and regulations.
- Insight into key regulatory changes and experience working with QA functions to understand business impact and mitigate risks.
