The Global Research Group is seeking a talented individual with deep technical understanding in ingredients technology and beverage product development. The successful candidate will be a key member of the strategic sweetener innovation program and the leader of one of the global R&D top 10 priority platform (naturally sweetened). This role will be accountable to manage the evaluation and optimization of the new sweetener system and the transfer of the new technologies from the research pipeline into new product development (including technical troubleshooting, ingredient specifications, engagement with R&D category leads, application directors, Suppliers, SRA, etc.). This role will also be expected to work closely with the BU and field R&D teams to develop and align on sweetener related innovation strategies as well as to shuttle and nurture new sweetener new technologies through the field development process.
Key Duties/Responsibilities
Lead the R&D top 10 platform 'Natural sweetened'. Working together with R&D category leads and field application directors to drive the roll out of global natural sweetener research program into the field product development pipeline.
Being the key contact for cross-functional stakeholders engaged in new sweetener applications. Lead the cross-functional, cross R&D centers global sweetener community to address the common issues on new sweetener application, commercialization and technology transfer.
Develop and lead new sweetener evaluation and characterization tools and processes that can effectively support /feedback the new sweetener technology development
Lead the team, working closely with research team and external suppliers to effectively evaluate the new sweetener technologies from both internal and external research results, identify and recommend the next generation sweetener technologies for further development work.
Lead new sweetener system optimization tools and processes that maximize the new sweetener performance in different product matrix, which will be basis for new sweetener commercialization.
Lead a team of 2 senior level product developers, and 1 junior developer. Build the team capability and knowledge to be the sweetener knowledge center of excellence for the company, which will be able to effectively support the field sweetener application and commercialization.
Key Qualifications
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES
• B.S. with 15+, M.S. with 10+ or PhD 8+ years of product development experiences in food and beverage industry, in which 5+ years are at management role
• Proven track record of successful launch of new products. Master of the new product development process, able to seize the opportunities to drive improvements with application of new technologies.
• Excellent teamwork experiences with multifunctional team incl. procurement, marketing, supply chain etc. Able to build win-win working relationship.
• Good mastery of food and beverage ingredients and application technologies, understanding of the regulatory landscape.
COMMUNICATION
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills needed to influence business decisions and priorities at the R&D / technical Sr. management level.
• Promote the new sweetener technologies with stack holders - R&D GMs, functional leaders etc. to seek the support needed for application development. Connect with field application directors to discuss and agree on the plan for rolling out the natural sweeteners in field pipelines.
• Work with procurement to develop supply strategy, provide the technical analysis, qualification for different suppliers to enable the optimized supplier strategy that support both cost and innovation.
LEADERSHIP
• Strong technical influencing skills, able to speak out and promote unpopular ideas with proven track record of leading innovation projects.
• Good people management skills and experiences on leading teams (experience is not a must)
LEADERSHIP BEHAVIORS:
• DRIVE INNOVATION: Generate new or unique solutions and embrace new ideas that help sustain our business (encompassing everything from continuous improvement to new product and package innovation).
• COLLABORATE WITH SYSTEM, CUSTOMERS, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS: Develop and leverage relationships with stakeholders to appropriately stretch and impact the System (Company and Bottler).
• ACT LIKE AN OWNER: Deliver results, creating value for our brands, our System, our customers and key stakeholders.
• INSPIRE OTHERS: Inspire people to deliver our mission and 2020 Vision, demonstrate passion for the business and give people a reason to believe anything is possible.
• DEVELOP SELF AND OTHERS: Develop self and support others’ development to achieve full potential.
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