R & D HEAD

Job Description : R & D HEAD SWITZERLAND Open to International candidates Fluent English mandatory, French/German/Italian beneficial an established food manufacturer with a strong regional footprint and a growing innovation agenda. The business supplies both industrial and consumer customers and is investing heavily in R&D capability and talent. Lead end-to-end new product development from concept, trials, shelf-life validation to launch Oversee R&D strategy to ensure alignment with market trends and customer needs Drive product optimisation, renovation, and cost or quality improvement initiatives Manage and develop a 12-person technical team, including Assistant Manager and Regulatory function Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, and HQ teams Oversee trial runs, troubleshoot production issues, and optimise manufacturing processes and control settings Ensure compliance with local regulatory, food safety standards, and industry best practices Transfer and localise formulations from HQ to manufacturing sites Establish and continuously improve R&D SOPs, systems, and development processes Manage R&D budget, analyse market data, and present project updates to senior management and stakeholders Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related field Minimum 25+ years of experience in food manufacturing, 5+ years at General Manager level Proven track record in the FMCG industry, with strong focus on product development and manufacturing processes Hands-on exposure in UHT, beverages, dairy, oils & fats, chocolate & confectionery, or margarine Strong understanding of food regulations, quality standards, and compliance requirements Solid knowledge of food formulation, processing technologies, and scale-up operations Demonstrated analytical thinking and problem-solving skills with a strong focus on innovation Proven leadership, team management, and coaching capabilities Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills Attractive annual salary and benefits package Opportunities to lead innovative projects within the food manufacturing industry

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