The Senior Research and Development Manager is a key function which will be responsible for profitable business growth of the product category through the development of innovative solutions, business development, cost optimization, operational support and optimal resource planning.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage R&D team and output
  • Align the R&D activities with sales, marketing and operations expectations
  • Continuously challenge the optimal use & efficiency of R&D and measure with KPI
  • Assure a pipeline of talent and ensure competence building in an environment of self-motivation and interdependency

• Contribute actively to the category strategy

• Identify market / product opportunities and threats and implement action plans accordingly
• Implement and support the yearly initiatives and actions
• Closely follow the sales results and propose measures to ensure profitable growth
• Ensure a functional link with the BU responsible in the Head Quarters

• Business Development support to Sales for product categories
• Identify new business opportunities at large customers (prospection)
• Detect products at risk
• Implement appropriate solutions (existing and new)
• Make internal and external presentation and seminars explaining benefits of our products
• Participate in strategic exercises intending to develop our business in the above mentioned products. This should be based on a good understanding of the local market

• Development of new products and concepts
  • Formulation of products in line with the yearly marketing plan by active participation in the Stage & Gate process
  • Tailor-made customer demands by following our Stage process

• Adaptation of existing formulas
  • Cost reduction programs maintaining performances, including raw material rationalization
  • Participate pro-actively in optimization of existing portfolios (sku reduction, positioning, ...)

• Support Operations and TQM
  • Support in case of quality issues : judging, root-cause analysis and rework
  • Ensure all steps are respected for a faultless implementation of new products in production
  • Review on a yearly base with qc the non-conformities and look for optimizations
  • Support the tqm requirements

• Manage accurately all technical administration
  • Ensure complete documentation on raw materials, formulations, process parameters, item requests, QC tests, labelling, TDS... On new or revised products;
  • Build an accessible project documentation in line with our NPD procedure by using the appropriate tools
  • Support the Technical Documentation department
  • Ensure confidentiality on formulas and know-how;
  • Monthly reporting to Senior R&D manager and to the R&D manager of the category in Headquarters

• Build expertise & network in specialty area
  • Becoming leading expert in the product range by training and field experience.
  • Ensure a functional link with the BU specialists in the Head Quarters
  • Build around the expertise an active network of high commercial value of customers, machine suppliers, researchers, vendors and the international Puratos R&D community
  • Provide intelligence on innovative raw materials & technologies that can differentiate our products

• Assure premium performances of the R&D lab by designing standardized baking tests and respecting the 5S and GMP policy.
• Act with Safety in mind.

• Food Safety

• Comply with our food safety procedures upon new raw material selection, product development or modification and sample preparation.
• Report all food safety and quality issues to immediate Supervisor and / or head of Quality.

• Responsible for any other assignment given by the direct superior
• Mobility: up to 30% to time

Requirements:

• 10+ years of experience in food product development, ideally in baking industry or ingredients related to the baking industry (except competitors)
• 5 years of people management experience
• BS degree in Food Science, Chemistry or Engineering Relevant experience in formulation, food processing, and manufacturing environment; MS in Food Science preferred
• Languages: English (Spanish is a benefit)
• Proficient in MS Office applications
• Other expertise: Excellent written & verbal communication skills

The following common allergens are processed in our facilities: wheat, eggs, dairy, and soy.

Looking for a Career for Good?

Puratos is a global purpose-driven company focused on bringing people together through food innovation for good. We offer a full range of innovative food ingredients and services for the bakery, patisserie, and chocolate sectors, serving artisans, retailers, industrial and food service companies in over 100 countries around the world. Our passion for innovation, pioneering spirit, and core values continue to propel our global ambitions. This coupled with our commitment to our communities is what makes working at Puratos so magical.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefit package, designed to promote a Happier, Healthier You.  This includes:

• Insurance coverage beginning the first of the month—no extra waiting period to get started
• Immediate 401(k) eligibility including a fully vested matching contribution
• Receive over 5 weeks total of paid time off within your first year of service
• Free life coaches, convenient onsite health exams, 24/7 access to Registered Nurses
• Puratos-paid insurance coverage to protect you and your family including Life and Disability insurance

If you are a solution oriented and analytical thinker with a passion for leading and inspiring people, we invite you to experience the magic of being yourself and join us for “a career for good.”

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