Head of R&D Chocolate & Flavor Creation

Summary

Are you ready to shape the future of global R&D and innovation in an international technology environment? As Head of Global R&D, you will define and drive the global R&D strategy in close alignment with the Business Area’s growth ambitions, lead a diverse international R&D organization across multiple locations, and steer a focused portfolio of technology and product development projects. In this key leadership role, you will combine strategic vision with operational excellence, budget responsibility, and strong people leadership to build the skills, methodologies, and technologies needed to compete in tomorrow’s markets.

Job Responsibilities

• You develop and implement the global R&D strategy in close alignment with the Business Area’s business and growth strategy
• You lead and develop the global R&D organization across multiple locations, disciplines, and teams, ensuring strong collaboration and succession planning
• You steer technology research, product development, standardization, and innovation projects while managing risks, costs, timelines, and deliverables
• You define and manage the annual R&D budget, project roadmaps, resource allocation, and performance KPIs across teams and locations
• You ensure quality, compliance, lifecycle management, and technology transfer while collaborating with internal stakeholders, customers, partners, and technical institutions

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering, natural sciences, data/computer science, or a related field, ideally combined with further education in business administration, strategy, digital transformation, AI, or food science
• Several years of experience in R&D, engineering, project management, and leadership, including international and intercultural team management
• Strong expertise in project management, controlling, process optimization, budget management, and resource allocation across complex development projects
• Solid knowledge of machine construction, relevant international standards, automation standards, and compliance requirements
• Convincing leadership personality with strong communication skills, assertiveness, pragmatism, decision-making ability, and confidence in international environmentFormularbeginn