Here at Costa we are proud of our heritage and our globally recognised brand, which is part of The Coca-Cola Company owned suite of companies. We are embarking on an exciting journey to create a dedicated Research & Development function within the organisation, and as a result are seeking a visionary and experienced Global R&D Director to lead and oversee that newly created R&D function, which operates across multiple platforms, functions & regions. Reporting to our Chief Supply Chain Officer, the Global R&D Director will have accountability for all Food and Beverages, Equipment and Packaging R&D related areas of our business. They will be responsible for shaping the strategic direction of our R&D initiatives, driving innovation, and ensuring the successful execution of projects and programs that align with our company’s goals and market demands. This role requires a strategic leader with a deep understanding of global R&D processes, excellent people leadership skills, and a proven track record of delivering results.
Key Responsibilities:
Team Setup/Management:
Form & embed a new R&D team within the business, establishing core relationships & practises quickly to address priority areas of opportunity
Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team of R&D professionals across several regions.
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the R&D teams.
Ensure effective resource allocation and team development to meet project demands and deadlines.
Strategic Leadership:
Develop and execute a global R&D strategy that supports the company’s vision and objectives.
Identify emerging trends, technologies, and market needs to guide R&D priorities and investments.
Align R&D efforts with overall business strategy and product development goals.
Projects:
Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of R&D projects, ensuring they meet quality, cost, and timeline expectations.
Implement robust project management methodologies and tools to track progress and address challenges.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, and marketing, to integrate R&D outcomes into product strategies
Support project governance processes & forums as applicable to the R&D function
Innovation and Technology:
Drive innovation by encouraging & supporting development of new technologies and solutions.
Evaluate and integrate new technologies, methodologies, and best practices to enhance R&D capabilities and outcomes.
Establish partnerships with broader Coca-Cola system, as well as academic institutions, research organizations, and industry leaders to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
Budget and Resource Management:
Develop and manage the global R&D budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial targets.
Monitor and control R&D expenditures, and justify investments in new projects and technologies.
Stakeholder Communication:
Communicate R&D strategies, progress, and results to key stakeholders and external partners.
Compliance and Quality Assurance:
Ensure that R&D activities comply with relevant regulations, standards, and best practices.
Implement and maintain quality assurance processes to guarantee the reliability and safety of R&D outputs