Logo of Huzzle

Home

Matches

Explore

Manage

Head of R&D

image

Rich Products Corporation

22d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid Level
  • Research & Development
    Product

AI generated summary

  • You need a BSc in a relevant field, 4+ years in leadership roles, strong strategic and communication skills, and experience in bakery product development and global markets.
  • You will drive innovation strategy, oversee product development, lead a diverse team, collaborate across departments, manage risks, and cultivate a culture of creativity and global engagement.

Requirements

  • Minimum Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) degree in a relevant scientific field – Food Science, Engineering, Packaging Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related field
  • Significant work experience with at least 4 years of progressive experience in Leaderships roles overseeing innovation teams and delivering innovation to market. Preferred candidates with food experience, ideally within bakery.
  • Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent Communication and presentation skills
  • Demonstrated ability to drive organizational change and foster a culture of innovation.
  • Proven innovation in the market
  • Knowledge of ingredients and process technologies and their applications in various industries.
  • Proven Leaderships roles within R&D Innovation teams.
  • Experience with Product Development in the Value Added Bakery category and emulsions.
  • Product Development experience in Global Markets, preferably Europe market

Responsibilities

  • Innovation Strategy
  • Works closely with relevant business partners to develop and execute local business Innovation Strategy aligned with Rich’s overall business goals.
  • Oversee the development and launch of new products or services, from ideation to market implementation.
  • Utilizes customer feedback and market research and work closely with RIC COEs and Business Units to identify new product platforms. Execute the “Lift and Adopt” global strategies for new product platforms to local markets.
  • Team Leadership
  • Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team of innovators, providing strategic direction, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, continuous learning, and guidance to team members.
  • Leads cross-functional teams to execute in new ways of working, methodologies, and design thinking ways of working to deliver new and novel innovation.
  • Designs and adapts organizational design to meet changing business requirements.
  • Drives implementation of R&D processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness of function.
  • Develops and executes an R&D talent management program, Coaches direct reports on job performance and career planning.
  • They are responsible for developing a strong, positive culture, driving for excellence, and promoting cross functional collaboration.
  • Builds a talented team of technical experts, creates high levels of Associate engagement, and invests in the career development of RIC team members.
  • Cross functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with leaders across various departments including marketing, sales, and operations.
  • Drive cross-functional innovation and DTV initiatives ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Work closely with relevant business partners to develop the management and development of the innovation portfolio using deep technical knowledge to develop, deliver and fuel the 2-3-year NPD pipeline.
  • Trend Scouting
  • Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends.
  • Identify strategic partnerships and investment opportunities to enhance the organization’s capabilities.
  • Innovation Process Metrics & Reporting
  • Execute RICH’s Innovation Process and ensuring team adherence to process and best practices.
  • Provide regular reports and updates to senior leadership on the status of innovation projects.
  • Risk and IP Management
  • Assess and manage risks associated with innovation projects.
  • Implement strategies to mitigate potential challenges and ensure successful project outcomes.
  • Oversee the protection of intellectual property resulting from innovation activities.
  • Work with legal teams and COEs to secure patents, trademarks, and other relevant protections.
  • Global perspective and Culture
  • Instill and nurture a culture of innovation throughout the organization.
  • Encourage Associates at all levels to contribute ideas and participate in innovation efforts.
  • Consider global trends and opportunities in the innovation landscape.
  • Lead initiatives that position the organization as a global leader in innovation.

FAQs

What qualifications are required for the Head of R&D position?

A minimum Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) degree in a relevant scientific field such as Food Science, Engineering, Packaging Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field is required.

How much leadership experience is needed for this role?

Candidates should have at least 4 years of progressive experience in leadership roles overseeing innovation teams and delivering innovation to market.

Is experience in the food industry important for this position?

Yes, preference will be given to candidates with food experience, ideally within the bakery sector.

What type of skills are emphasized for the Head of R&D?

Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, excellent communication and presentation skills, and the ability to drive organizational change and foster a culture of innovation are critical.

Will the Head of R&D be involved in cross-functional collaboration?

Yes, this role involves extensive collaboration with leaders across various departments including marketing, sales, and operations.

Is trend scouting part of the Head of R&D's responsibilities?

Yes, the position requires staying abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends while identifying strategic partnerships and investment opportunities.

What is the importance of the innovation process in this role?

The Head of R&D will execute Rich’s Innovation Process and ensure team adherence to best practices, including regular reporting to senior leadership on the status of innovation projects.

What is the expected culture within the R&D team?

The role aims to instill and nurture a culture of innovation throughout the organization, encouraging associates at all levels to contribute ideas and participate in innovation efforts.

Will there be opportunities for talent development in this position?

Yes, the Head of R&D is responsible for developing and executing an R&D talent management program that includes coaching and career planning for team members.

Are there opportunities for exposure to global markets in this role?

Yes, product development experience in global markets, preferably the European market, is considered a desirable qualification for candidates.

Rich Products Corporation

Global, family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities...

Retail & Consumer Goods
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1945
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Rich’s is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $3.8 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.