Head of R&D Category Dairy Free (m/f/d)

Head of Research & Development „Dairy Free“(m/f/d)

Your challenge: 

• In the newly created position of Head of R&D Dairy Free (m/f) you will be responsible for the R&D project portfolio as well as the product development of innovations, renovations, and line extensions of our non-dairy products from the initial product idea to market maturity - the understanding of consumer insights, customer requirements, the market environment as well as the Hochland corporate strategy provide the development framework. 

• You will lead the product development team Dairy Free of Hochland R&D with currently 9 employees and report directly to the Hochland R&D Director. 

• You will identify trends and develop long-term R&D development strategies and plans that support the company's innovation goals in dairy-free product offers. You will be responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of product and technology development projects, considering trends, consumer insights, sensory and nutritional requirements. 

• You will ensure compliance with quality standards, regulations, and guidelines in product development, in particular IFS requirements and legal requirements such as HACCP in the development process. 

• In national and international cooperation with the marketing, sales, production, and quality management interfaces, you will ensure a successful market launch. You will coordinate and manage the group-wide R&D project portfolio in the dairy-free sector in close cooperation with Corporate Commercial and the Hochland subsidiaries. 

• You will act as a motivator and coach for your employees and develop an effective team. You will use modern and agile methods. 

Your success criteria: 

• Degree in food technology, nutritional sciences, biotechnology or a similar field of study 

• Several years (at least 5 years) of experience in the food industry (FMCG) with a focus on product development and innovation, preferably in the development of non-dairy products. Ideally several years of experience in a management position with functional and disciplinary responsibility 

• Sound knowledge of project management, working in interdisciplinary teams and strong communication skills  

• Excellent ability to manage working relationships, to support, develop and inspire teams, to communicate effectively with different departments and stakeholders in an international context and to drive projects forward. 

• Creativity, innovation and ability to solve complex problems. Track record of developing and launching new, innovative products 

• Fluency in spoken and written English in our international environment and willingness to travel abroad.