Head of R&D

Key accountabilities:

R&D Strategy & Innovation

• Develop and execute the company’s R&D strategy aligned with business goals.
• Identify and integrate emerging food trends, new ingredients, and novel processing technologies.
• Drive innovation in new product development (NPD) while optimizing existing product lines.
• Ensure alignment of R&D initiatives with sustainability and clean-label trends.

• Oversee the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from ideation to commercialization.
• Ensure all products meet safety, quality, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Collaborate with marketing, supply chain, and production teams to ensure seamless product launches.
• Optimize formulations for improved taste, texture, nutrition, and shelf life.

• Ensure adherence to local and international food safety regulations
• Work with regulatory affairs to secure approvals for new products and ingredient claims.
• Maintain documentation and audits for regulatory compliance.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation.
• Ensure collaboration between R&D, quality assurance, procurement, and production teams.
• Provide technical guidance and professional development opportunities for R&D staff.

• Develop and manage the overall R&D budget, ensuring cost-effective innovation.
• Allocate resources efficiently across multiple R&D projects and product lines.
• Assess and approve investments in new food processing technologies and lab equipment.

• Build partnerships with suppliers, universities, research institutions, and food tech startups.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends to drive R&D strategies.
• Represent the company in industry conferences, trade shows, and regulatory discussions.

Professional skills & key competencies:

• Educational Background: A master’s degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g., engineering, chemistry, biology).
• Experience: Extensive experience in R&D, strategy development, change management, project management, data management, innovation, collaboration with marketing and sales department, stakeholder engagement, or related roles.
• Skills: Strategic planning, analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication, collaboration and presentation skills, proven leadership abilities, and expertise in compliance and quality.
• Track Record: Demonstrated success in driving strategic initiatives, managing complex projects, leading organizational change, and leveraging data for strategic decisions.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of the technical aspects of the industry and the ability to apply this knowledge to drive innovation