R&D expert manager
To grow our business and to help our customers grow their business, the marketing and R&D [MRD] team of the Zeelandia Group are working closely together in the [group] marketing and R&D department, which is managed by the group director MRD. The department is responsible for new product and technology development whereby it pro-actively connects with the OpCo’s for collaboration and training. In this way it supports innovation for cross border launches. The goal is to strengthen the foundation and to enhance innovation to fuel growth in the countries. To realize her targets the R&D team works closely and cross functional together with the colleagues of marketing, R&D, procurement, operations and supply chain within the Zeelandia Group.
To strengthen our Group R&D ambition by leading and supporting our global Expert department, we are looking for an enthusiastic, driven and experienced
R&D expert manager
Developing and realizing the technology development R&D program using group and local resources and ensuring optimal knowledge exchange within the Zeelandia Group. Facilitating category and product group plans as resource manager. Contribute to the development of group and local R&D.
Role in the organization
In this role you will report to the group director MRD. You collaborate intensively with the category development managers, the product development leads and the local R&D colleagues to develop, align and execute the R&D program.
Your job responsibilities
In this job you are responsible for the following:
- define an annual and three year R&D technology development program in line with category plans
- translate technology development plans into a corresponding IP plan (knowledge protection, infringement etc.)
- contribute to the development of group R&D (as MT member group R&D)
- coordinate the implementation of the R&D program through adequate resource allocation within the own department and through coordination with local R&D managers
- manage, as a principal or as a project leader, the technology development projects
- develop and harmonize NPD, research and test procedures and best practices
- set up, manage and maintain a group bakery and analytical lab
- coordinate network with corporate and local R&D departments, suppliers, research institutions, universities, etc.
- initiate and enter into collaboration with internal and external experts
- position the department in internal organization and with external relations
- guarantee knowledge sharing and communication about latest developments within the Zeelandia Group
- organize technological training courses and presentations about chosen knowledge fields internal & external
The ideal candidate brings the following:
We are looking for an inventive and ambitious colleague, with a strong drive on co-creating and a high passion for the bakery/food business
- master in food technology or another technological relevant area;
- knowledge/experience of the different bakery and production processes;
- 7-10 years in a managerial product development position or similar position;
- knowledge of the different bakery processes in both SME and IB;
- knowledge/experience of the Zeelandia product range and the associated applications;
- experience working with reporting lines between a group organization and multiple countries;
- strong drive to build solid bridges between the group organization and countries and co-create with cross functional colleagues;
- willingness to take a critical view of stretch goals and initiatives to drive breakthrough results;
- good feeling with and understanding from the local challenges and group ambitions;
- languages: English
- ability to work effective with different cultures and markets, and create a knowledge sharing organization together with all the group members;
- willingness to travel and the possibility to work out of your home office/country;
What do we offer?
Besides the competitive benefits that comes with this job, we offer you a challenging role in an ambitious, international and dynamic environment where you have the opportunity to make the difference. You are expected to travel in Europe [as much as 10% of your time].
Interested?
If this sounds like you, please send your application within ten workdays after publication to René Westerbeek, HR business partner, by e-mail rene.westerbeek@zeelandia.comFor more information on the job, please contact Christien van Beusekom, by e-mail christien.vanbeusekom@zeelandia.com by phone +31 (0)6 20544749