Head of R&D

PURPOSE STATEMENT

The role is a leadership role within the RIC leadership team and Rich’s, playing a pivotal role in managing team within one function within RIC, managing a team to execute innovation strategy development and initiatives for assigned market. 

Managing a dynamic Innovation team to execute innovation, collaborating with key stakeholders, and shaping the innovation strategy. This role will drive the reinvention of the product portfolio through the prioritization and successful deployment of differentiated and highly relevant offerings to the market, propelling the company forward in a rapidly evolving landscape.

This role will lead the development and management of the Rich’s Innovation process, resources, and with their highly technical COE team they will work together with the other functions to commercialize the use of new and leading-edge innovation approaches and models to drive business growth.

This role will oversee the identification, development, and implementation of value leadership programs such as Design to Value opportunities, enterprise ROC programs and will work closely with procurement, marketing teams and the BU’s to deliver value to the business.

The role supports the RIC Leadership and local business units in shaping the local, or regional innovation strategy leading to the successful delivery of the strategic growth targets for assigned market.

This role operates at a medium level of strategic influence, actively building the strategy on how to drive differentiated innovation for the business ensuring successful deployment of all new systems and methodologies and will work with the other functional teams to enable Rich to deliver innovative solutions that will drive business growth.

This position requires a blend of strategic thinking, technical knowhow and tactical execution to create and implement strategies to define and execute a portfolio of complex projects. They will work with the global COE teams to develop and leverage their programs to look at new perspectives to solve existing and new solutions for the assigned market. 

This role excels at, and drives cross functional partnership and collaboration, operating at multiple levels within the business and is a key contributor to the RIC and business strategy.

The role will possess a high drive for results, exceptional project management skills, an entrepreneurial growth mindset, and an ability to create strong networks and relationships.  It will be necessary to work across the product lifecycle including working at the front end of innovation to improve our current business using a blend of excellent strategic thinking, technical knowhow and tactical execution to define and execute a portfolio of projects and products.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/OUTCOMES

• Innovation Strategy
o Works closely with relevant business partners to develop and execute local business Innovation Strategy aligned with Rich’s overall business goals.
o Oversee the development and launch of new products or services, from ideation to market implementation.
o 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
o 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.
o Leads cross-functional teams to execute in new ways of working, methodologies, and design thinking ways of working to deliver new and novel innovation.
o Designs and adapts organizational design to meet changing business requirements.
o Drives implementation of R&D processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness of function.
o Develops and executes an R&D talent management program, Coaches direct reports on job performance and career planning.
o They are responsible for developing a strong, positive culture, driving for excellence, and promoting cross functional collaboration.
o 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
o Collaborate with leaders across various departments including marketing, sales, and operations.
o Drive cross-functional innovation and DTV initiatives ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
o 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
o Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends
o Identify strategic partnerships and investment opportunities to enhance the organization’s capabilities.

• Innovation Process Metrics & Reporting
o Execute RICH’s Innovation Process and ensuring team adherence to process and best practices.  
o Provide regular reports and updates to senior leadership on the status of innovation projects.

• Risk and IP Management
o Assess and manage risks associated with innovation projects.
o Implement strategies to mitigate potential challenges and ensure successful project outcomes.
o Oversee the protection of intellectual property resulting from innovation activities.
o Work with legal teams and COEs to secure patents, trademarks, and other relevant protections.

• Global perspective and Culture
o Instill and nurture a culture of innovation throughout the organization.
o Encourage Associates at all levels to contribute ideas and participate in innovation efforts.
o Consider global trends and opportunities in the innovation landscape.
o Lead initiatives that position the organization as a global leader in innovation.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

Critical
• 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.
Desirable
• 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