Join the Magic

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 70 countries and a consolidated turnover of 2.8 billion euros (in 2022). 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 Addis Ababa – Ethiopia we are looking for a:

Research and Development Manager

(Addis Ababa – Ethiopia)

Your Mission

The Research and Development  Manager is reporting directly to the General Manager of Puratos Ethiopia and functionally to regional  Research and Development  Director, the Manager for this key function  is responsible  for Providing proactive technical support of business development (sales, marketing) and drive developments of the new bakery, patisserie and chocolate products and concepts for all customer segments to support effective and efficient operations of the organizations and the department. 

Key Accountabilities

• Responsible for the Development of their competencies in R&D for powder products and wet products.
• Delivers Training for salespeople and demonstrators.
• Pay Customer visits and Presentations for customers.
• Assure high-level technical support and good commercial contacts with key accounts.
• Provide R&D support for production (for technical & quality issues, obsolete stock, SKU management.)
• Manage the TA & the Innovation Center
• Develop the R&D team depending on the business evolution
• Interact with regional team in order to keep the local team informed and trained on the latest Group Innovations/technologies and actively promote the implementation of these innovations in the country.
• Ensure that all technical data linked to products (datasheet declaration, formulas...) are always correct & comply with food legislation.
• Ensure confidentiality of formulas and protection of know-how respecting the Group golden rules of know-how protection.
• Operation support-Select the right raw materials, define the process to produce and define the QC for raw materials and finished products.
• Performs other duties assigned by General Manager.

1. Innovation, customer projects and Technical Support

• Manage the innovation pipeline, in line with the Group strategy and guidelines (H&WB, sustainability, focus channels, key customers) and with current and future customer needs. Always assure compliance to local regulations.
• Boost, promote and enable the development and implementation of strategic and international innovation products and services; make use of the project process tools; assure a good translation to local market needs; assure training for R&D, CTS, MKT, sales…Sales team;
• Organize competence building projects internally or with external partners and translate this in new business development and innovation opportunities.
• Ensure confidentiality and respect Group rules on IP protection in all activities.
• Sustain adoption of digital tools and processes automation.

2.  Support improvement of Profitability and Support Operations

• Provide support to operations (production, QC, QA) for the implementation of new ingredients and products on our lines, during the startup of new lines, for process improvement projects, for non-conformities and customer complaints, for approval of second suppliers.
• Take a pro-active approach to reduce the cost of our products and services, in collaboration with purchase and operations; participate to portfolio optimization projects on raw materials and finished goods.
• Provide support during external quality audits; ensure a perfect and traceable documentation of all relevant R&D activities. 

3 .Internal and external stakeholder management

• Contribute as an active member of the management team to sustain business objectives and projects in the local organization.
• Create a strong network with the leaders of the countries, contribute to a trustful collaboration, inspire the teams with new products, services, concepts, and ideas, and assure a close collaboration that results in a smooth implementation and a shorter time to market.
• Create a strong internal network with stakeholders from HQ, the region, and other countries, in the effort to share best practices, learn, improve, and create new solutions to meet customer´s challenges.
• Create a strong external network with key customers, suppliers, research institutes, local authorities, and sectorial associations, to accelerate the detection of future challenges and opportunities, and accelerate accordingly the development of solutions.

What we expect from you

• Professional Experience & Qualifications
• Academic background: Bachelor's degree in food science or equivalent.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in applied R&D from international food industry.
• Having 3 years’ experience in leading the R&D activity and team from international food industry.
• R&D experience from bakery, patisserie or chocolate industry is a plus.
• Good knowledge of food regulations.
• Languages: Fluent in English.
• ICT: standard windows – min excel.
• Other expertise: Excellent written & verbal communication skills
• Passion for industry processing (culture) – combines intelligence with hands-on.
• Mix of Analytical and highly communicative person
• Dynamic and pro-active personality doesn’t accept the status quo.
• Customer oriented with sense for business development opportunities.
• Strong networker
• Self-motivated and positive attitude
• Team player - functions in project mgmt. 

What you can expect from Puratos:

We are a warm family company with a historical growth track record and a clear long-term vision for the future. We promote a caring, trustful and respecting work environment by putting people first. 

We at Puratos cultivate an inclusive global workplace, that fully embraces diversity and equal

opportunities for all. We strive to reflect the richness of our customers, communities and society, accelerating our ability to innovate and deliver on our commitments.