We are looking for someone who is a serial innovator with a strong track record of developing and commercialising winning innovations, has an entrepreneurial mindset together with outstanding technical problem solve and ability to build strong and effective partnerships within the R&D organisation and the broader multi-functional team.
This role will be responsible for but not limited to:
* Providing in depth consumer understanding and product/process expertise to lead the development of winning product propositions
* Ensuring adherence to Quality, Product Safety and Regulatory requirements
* Leading qualification and commercialisation of new products in partnership with Product Supply teams
* A key player in driving forward our ambitious Sustainability agenda
* Providing protection to technologies, processes, materials, and products through appropriate use of patents and trade secrets
* Working as part of multi-functional team to provide R&D leadership on assigned innovation/renovation projects: leading design and development phases of the project to ensure consumer & technical qualification is completed and ensure the delivery and commercialisation of product propositions that meet key success criteria.
* Planning and carrying out project responsibilities with limited assistance and direction leveraging research principles, scientific analysis, and project management tools.
* Ensuring seamless handover to LCM and mill teams to ensure an un-interrupted transfer of R&D project ownership through to launch, providing on-going consultation on any in-market follow-ups & support.
About You
To succeed in this role, you will need the following qualifications:
* A Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a related major scientific field or engineering discipline from an accredited college or university
* Preferably 5-10 years of experience in a variety of technical assignments in a professional R&D or engineering capacity
* Experience of providing R&D support to qualify new product start-ups & facilitate handover to Product Supply/external contract manufacturers
* Strong product design/development experience and proven ability to translate consumer needs/wishes into product proposals/ideas, and then developing & qualifying products from technical & consumer point of view
* Strong Technical Curiosity: be an idea generator and a consumer & brand champion with good technical know how
* Strong verbal/written communication & influencing skills
* Good collaboration & team working skills
* Experience working with external contract manufacturers would be preferred