R&D Manager
Join the Magic
Our Mission
At Puratos, we create innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we help our customers to be successful with their business, by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities.
We are more than 10.000 employees in over 85 countries and a consolidated turnover of 3.1 billion euros (in 2023). Our passion for innovation, a pioneering spirit and the unique Puratos culture drive our solid growth and vision for the future This, along with our commitment to our local communities, is what makes working at Puratos so magical.
To strengthen our team in Denmark, we are looking for a:
R&D Manager
(Give, Denmark)
Your Mission
The R&D Manager of Puratos Denmark will plan and lead R&D, NPD and assist on TQM activities, considering the company´s strategy and local market requirements. In close collaboration with local sales and marketing, Group R&D and Business Units he/she will develop the position of Food Innovation for Good in Bakery, Patisserie, Chocolate and Dairy market in Denmark. Enabling the company to support business growth in the country and within the focus product categories.
What you will do:
Management
- Define the right R&D organisation, adapted to the business needs; adapt where needed the resources to optimize the use and efficiency of the team.
- Manage the R&D department through vision and objectives in line with the strategy of the Puratos Group and the Danish organisation.
- Manage the Puratos Denmark Innovation Centre for industry leading activity; product testing, finished goods approach and inspirational customer seminars.
- Be an active member of the Danish Management Team, supporting the General Manager in exchanging project information across the organization.
R&D, NPD, and Technical Support
- Promote and enable implementation of Strategic and International Innovation products and services; make use of the project process tools (CRM etc); participate where needed as a pilot country/region for the Group; ensure good translation to market needs; ensure training on innovations for the Business Development Teams.
- Ensure a strong innovation pipeline in line with strategy and with Group guidelines (e.g. on Health & Wellbeing), compliant with local legislation.
- Develop or coordinate development of Local and Group Innovations, including adaptations of product formulas for local needs.
- Ensure confidentiality of formulas and protection of know-how respecting Group rules on IP protection.
- Actively participate in customer projects with good use of the Go-no Go process; ensure product development in line with customer request and Puratos capabilities; assist to customer visits and line tests; organize technical training sessions for key customers & support customer innovation days.
- Act on competence building and translate this into new business development and innovation opportunities.
- Create an atmosphere of sharing knowledge, ensure systematic use of shared drives, ensure registration of know-how in documents for training and sharing.
Support business development and operations
- Play a vital role in business development by engaging in direct customer relationships, understanding customer needs, and working closely together on NPD, implementation on line, problem solving etc.
- Provide support to local and Group operations (production, QC, QA) for the implementation of new ingredients and products on lines, during the startup of new products, for process improvement projects, for non-conformities and customer complaints, for approval of 2nd suppliers, etc.
- Take actions to reduce the costs of our products and services, in collaboration with purchase and operations, participate to SKU reduction projects on raw materials and finished goods.
- Represent R&D during external quality audits and contribute to the achievement of the expected level; ensure perfect and traceable documentation of all relevant R&D activities.
Stakeholders and activities
- Inspire sales, marketing, technical teams to work closely together on new market relevant innovations and creative inspirational concepts and NPD based on consumer insights and customer dialogue.
- Engage in a dynamic network with Group R&D, R&D of different Business Units and selected country R&D on certain products, projects, and joint customers or to exchange best practice.
- Participate actively in regional and international Puratos R&D seminars and meetings in the effort to continuously learn, improve and create new solutions to meet customers’ challenges.
- Lead technical product trainings of sales, marketing and technical teams.
What we expect from you:
- University degree in food science or equivalent.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in new product development/applied R&D from the international food industry, preferably baking industry.
- Practical experience from the bakery industry.
- Baking skills and thorough knowledge of the bread making process.
- Knowledge in food legislation and quality control and management.
- Fluent in Danish and English
- Willingness to travel to customer meetings within Denmark, Puratos HQ in Belgium, and other markets if needed.