General Manager: Research and Development

SUMMARY:
Our client who specializes in the baking/foods industry, is currently looking for an General Manager to oversee a team of research and development technologists

POSITION INFO:

• Responsible for the strategy, priority setting, execution and delivery of local and or regional innovation projects in the factories and co-manufacturers.
• Oversee all innovation development, product optimization.
• Define and set priorities for the R&D innovation team; identifies and secures appropriate technical resources to bring project through to commercialization.
• Responsible for handover to the factories as well as specifications enabling all current and new Innovations to be produced at optimal flexibility, cost, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Work closely with the GM VP Innovation to develop the direction for the innovation organization.
• Oversee all innovation activities, scale up and commercialization.
• Ensures team fully contributes to the key business management processes and forums.
• Responsible for all local and regional innovation commercialization and specifications enabling all current and new Innovations to be produced at optimal flexibility, cost, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Partner with their Peers, the COE’s, Engineering, Commercial and factory teams to input to the long-term strategy for innovation, using deep technical knowledge to develop, deliver growth.
• Work with the COE teams to create, design and develop, and deliver innovation extending core.
• Ensure that the Innovation process is carried out such that timelines are met to market products.
• Work with the global COE’s and Technology teams to help set up technology and research strategies required by the factories.
• Connect with peers and other functions to harmonize Innovation projects share best practices, and accelerate the global deployment of new innovations.
• High performing leader from all aspects (talent management, horizontal accountability with fellow Management Team members), model of target behaviour
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and production teams to ensure successful business strategies execution and product launches.
• Develop and manage the R&D budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources including personnel, equipment, and technology
• Work closely with other departments (e.g., Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing) to align R&D efforts with market needs and company goals.

• Scientific Degree in Product, Product engineering, Chemical engineering, chemistry, or food science is required.
• Minimum 10+ years in R&D with at least 5+ years in leadership roles
• Excellent Project Management skills typically acquired through 8+ years of professional experience in leading Innovation projects as the key technical member on a cross-functional team. Hands on experience in the development and successful launch of new products, packages and processes.
• High performing leader from all aspects (building R&D team, talent management, horizontal accountability with fellow Management Team members), model of target behaviour for R&D.
• Hands on experience in the development and successful launch of new products, packs and processes.
• High degree of ownership for his/her work, a big sense of urgency and an action-biased, positive attitude.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate market insights into actionable R&D strategies and initiatives.
• Prefer product development experience with value added bakery and emulsions.

NB! This job is now closed. You can apply for other jobs by uploading your CV.