R&D lead
Location: Oxfordshire
Key Skills: Significant experience in development of Plant-based food ingredients. Prior commercial experience in a R&D leadership role.
Role overview: This is an exciting opportunity to build and lead the R&D capabilities in a newly established and fully funded food-tech start-up, working on developing a versatile range of sustainable functional food ingredients from a grain called amaranth.
Job Overview:
* Develop a detailed R&D strategy to create an innovative protein/starch extraction process and develop a range of functional food ingredients
* Validate the R&D lab layout and design the workflow (incl. equipment)
* Hire the R&D team (amend existing s, leverage own and external networks to scout for candidates, interview, onboard successful applicants)
* Manage the process and ingredient development
* Work with external partners and laboratories to conduct experiments and analytical tests
* Develop a pipeline of research projects to be done with academic institutions in the UK
* Overall: lead, strategize, plan, organize, communicate internally and externally.
* Accountable for daily decision making in the lab
Capability requirements:
* PhD in a related field
* 10+ years of experience in developing & commercializing food ingredients
* Experience in grain processing or plant-based protein extraction is preferred
* Experience in launching an R&D facility and assembling a team is preferred
* Deep knowledge of food and food industry (ingredients and Consumer Packaged Goods)
* Creative proactive entrepreneurial approach to work
* Strong business acumen, leadership, planning, strategy, communication
Package:
Our client offers a permanent position with a starting salary of 70,000- 80,000 (depending on experience). This is an opportunity to join the company at start-up phase with significant career development as the company growth.