Director – Research & Development

The Director, R&D will be responsible for defining and executing the company’s R&D strategy across its Food Specialties businesses. The role balances long-term innovation leadership with near-term commercial delivery, ensuring science, speed, and scalability are tightly aligned with overall business objectives.

In the initial phase, the role will operate as a senior individual contributor, partnering closely with the CEO and key stakeholders to evaluate the current R&D landscape, set strategic priorities, and establish a clear innovation roadmap and operating model. This phase is foundational, focused on putting in place the right structure, governance, and direction for sustainable growth.

As the strategy takes shape, the role will progress into a full leadership mandate, with responsibility to rebuild and lead the R&D organization, strengthen internal capabilities, and develop a robust external innovation ecosystem. Throughout this evolution, the Director, R&D will act as a trusted strategic advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team, serving as a catalyst to reshape the company’s R&D function, elevating its strategic relevance, execution rigor, and impact on business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive the strategic R&D roadmap aligned to corporate growth priorities
• Lead regional R&D strategy across product development, process innovation, and applied science
• Translate consumer, customer, and market insights into commercially viable innovation pipelines
• Partner closely with the CEO, Marketing, Commercial, Operations, and Quality teams
• Build and manage external partnerships with suppliers, research institutes, and technology partners
• Ensure governance, compliance, and scientific rigor across all R&D activities
• Champion a culture of innovation, agility, and high-performance leadership