Senior R&D Manager Bakery
As a member of R&D Country Team, the Senior R&D Manager Bakery works closely to R&D Country Manager and Sales & Marketing team to offer the best technical support to customers, developing and adapting Bakery products according to their needs. Core responsibilities are in the following R&D domains: product development, product innovation, new ingredients and technologies scouting, customer technical support, R&D SBU Bakery team coaching and development.
Main Responsibilities
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Build and keep strong and effective relationships with customers, also through visits together with KA to promote co-creation approach (mobility foreseen 70%)
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In collaboration with Business Development Team, define and implement R&D Bakery channel strategy and ensure the technical Bakery support plan for all channels
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Manage and guide the local R&D SBU Bakery team to develop each team member and achieve defined objectives
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Promote and ensure effective collaboration between the R&D SBU Bakery team and all other company functions, including Operations & QA.
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Ensure compliance of documentation in line with BRC certification for the Business unit
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Monitor and evaluate possible implementations of new Bakery ingredients and technologies available on the market
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Manage the local R&D Bakery innovation funnel ensuring its constant renewal and execution on time
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Define and monitor R&D Bakery KPI’s
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Ensure the accuracy of the technical data related to the Bakery products (data sheet, declaration, formulas) paying particular attention to the confidentiality of the formulas and know-how
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Implement all digital tools available in terms of project & customer management.
Key Deliverables
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Lead Bakery product and technology innovation; promote and implement Local innovations
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Develop, adapt and improve Bakery products, also modifying current recipes using new ingredients, alternative raw materials and suppliers
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Manage projects and formulas/recipes
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Support Operations & QA/QCteam
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Build benchmark at local and global level
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Create and keep excellence in Customer Technical Support from the SBU Bakery perspective.
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Ensure active collaboration with the HQ Bakery R&D structure
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Establish and maintain relationships with universities, research laboratories
Background & Skills
- At least 8-10 Years experience in R&D roles, in food companies with local production.
- Strong business and commercial acumen, ability to define and implement an R&D Bakery strategy based on business priorities / goals
- Ability to interact with all levels and functions within an organization; developing constructive and professional relationships and facilitate changes by influencing others
- People leadership experience and ability to work with diverse styles and cultures