Head of R&D
Location: Andover, GB, SP11 8EZ
Category: Research & Development
Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.
The role is a leadership role within the RIC leadership team and Rich’s, playing a pivotal role in managing a team within one function within RIC, executing innovation strategy development and initiatives for the assigned market.
Managing a dynamic Innovation team to execute innovation, collaborating with key stakeholders, and shaping the innovation strategy. This role will drive the reinvention of the product portfolio through the prioritization and successful deployment of differentiated and highly relevant offerings to the market, propelling the company forward in a rapidly evolving landscape.
This role will lead the development and management of the Rich’s Innovation process, resources, and with their highly technical COE team they will work together with the other functions to commercialize the use of new and leading-edge innovation approaches and models to drive business growth.
This role will oversee the identification, development, and implementation of value leadership programs such as Design to Value opportunities, enterprise ROC programs and will work closely with procurement, marketing teams and the BU’s to deliver value to the business.
The role supports the RIC Leadership and local business units in shaping the local, or regional innovation strategy leading to the successful delivery of the strategic growth targets for the assigned market.
This role operates at a medium level of strategic influence, actively building the strategy on how to drive differentiated innovation for the business ensuring successful deployment of all new systems and methodologies and will work with the other functional teams to enable Rich to deliver innovative solutions that will drive business growth.
This position requires a blend of strategic thinking, technical knowhow and tactical execution to create and implement strategies to define and execute a portfolio of complex projects. They will work with the global COE teams to develop and leverage their programs to look at new perspectives to solve existing and new solutions for the assigned market.
This role excels at, and drives cross functional partnership and collaboration, operating at multiple levels within the business and is a key contributor to the RIC and business strategy.
The role will possess a high drive for results, exceptional project management skills, an entrepreneurial growth mindset, and an ability to create strong networks and relationships. It will be necessary to work across the product lifecycle including working at the front end of innovation to improve our current business using a blend of excellent strategic thinking, technical knowhow and tactical execution to define and execute a portfolio of projects and products.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
Critical
1. Minimum Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) degree in a relevant scientific field – Food Science, Engineering, Packaging Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related field
2. Significant work experience with at least 4 years of progressive experience in Leadership roles overseeing innovation teams and delivering innovation to market. Preferred candidates with food experience, ideally within bakery.
3. Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
4. Excellent Communication and presentation skills.
5. Demonstrated ability to drive organizational change and foster a culture of innovation.
6. Proven innovation in the market.
7. Knowledge of ingredients and process technologies and their applications in various industries.
Desirable
1. Proven Leadership roles within R&D Innovation teams.
2. Experience with Product Development in the Value Added Bakery category and emulsions.
3. Product Development experience in Global Markets, preferably Europe market.
Rich Products Corporation welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
BRINGING YOUR BEST SELF TO WORK.
As a family-owned company, caring for our associates—their whole selves—is a top priority. That’s why we provide benefits and tools to help our people balance the integration of work and life:
* Competitive compensation
* Paid time off
* Parental leave
* Family planning support
* Associate resource groups
* Volunteering & community impact opportunities
* Holiday gatherings In-house taste tests (we are a food company after all)!
It’s all part of how we support our family of associates. Because in the company of family, all things are possible.
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