Research and Development Director
Research & Development Director - Brazil
Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil (hybrid work model)
Due to the promotion of our current R&D Director in Brazil, we are now looking for the next talent who will take leadership on this critical position in our organization.
MISSION
As a member of the management team of the country, the R&D director will lead and grow the team and activities of the company, taking into account both Group and local requirements. In close collaboration with customers and internal teams, he/she will develop Puratos as the partner in Food Innovation for Good in the bakery, patisserie and chocolate markets, in order to achieve the company’s objectives and outpace the market.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage, coach and develop the R&D team. Ensure an effective and efficient operation of the team in high performance collaboration with other business areas.
- Develop or co-ordinate the implementation of Group and local innovations as well as product adaptations for all focus customers and customer segments, based on market trends and/or specific customer demands.
- Ensure both pro-actively and reactively technical support to the customers by investing time with them, with the appropriate channel language, to understand their needs in order to guide the implementation of Puratos solution/innovations for them to succeed with their business.
- Manage, coach and develop the Innovation Center team to assure excellence in the execution of Customer Technical support strategy, delivering best in class cexperience
- Act as business development together with Marketing and Sales teams by designing suitable business initiatives.
- Partner with Marketing team to drive the innovation agenda and fullfil the innovation pipeline as well as the the renovation of product portfolio according to the product life cycle management.
- Develop a continuous dialogue with Regional R&D and country R&D teams in the context of project/priority management and best practice exchange
- Manage the R&D cost budget as well as the government tax subsidy if appropriate.
- Ensure confidentiality of formulas and protection of know-how respecting the Group golden rules
- Provide support to the Quality team on the customer complaint management process.
- Ensure the accurate and complete technical documentation of our products.Ensure that all products have complete and correct technical data sheet.
- Manage all aspects of legal requirements related to ingredients, labeling and formulation for imports, exports and local products.
- Look for new alternatives of raw materials to improve the quality, cost and features of the products.
- Ensure Product and Process documentation and best practices to deliver product superiority under cost constraints and best available technology.
- Participate on the recommendation of CAPEX investments, together with the Engineering team
- Be an active member of the Latin America R&D community and of the global R&D Steering Committee
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
- Academic background : university degree in food science or equivalent
- Recognized experience in new product development/applied R&D in the international food industry.
- Experience in food related companies, preferably in the bakery and confectionery business
- Experience with the food legislation and import procedures
- Proficient in Portuguese and business English; Spanish is a plus.
- Relevant people leadership experience
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Advanced planning, organization & project management skills.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Solid communication skills (verbally and written).
- Team player/builder.
- Customer oriented and Business focused.
- Negotiation skills and problem solving skills.
- People oriented and able to mentor, coach and inspire teams.