Head of R&D

Head of Ireland Research & Development

At KDP, our inspiration is to bring meaningful impact and that starts with our company vision; Drink Well, Do Good

The Head of Ireland Research and Development is an exciting opportunity to lead the strategic direction, development, and execution of KDPs business leading the Concentrate function. The role will lead the Ireland R&D organization by driving Innovation, Productivity, and Supply Chain effectiveness for our concentrate business and operations.

This critical role will bring thought leadership and strategies to enable the growth and productivity agenda for KDP. The role will work closely with Global R&D, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, and Legal leaders. The leader should have strong interpersonal skills to build key cross functional partnerships and relationships to foster a team environment aligned to the overall KDP values and culture.

The role will report to the Chief R&D Officer and is based in Newbridge, Ireland.

Key Responsibilities :

Acts as the strategic leader and decision maker for R&D in Ireland Leads the Flavor & Concentrate function globally, ensuring flawless execution of all activities in Flavor & Concentrate. Develops and communicates the Ireland R&D strategy, goals, and business plans to drive growth while appropriately allocating resources to balance immediate and long-term objectives. Partners collaboratively with Global R&D Leadership team to deliver on the wider R&D agenda for the US and Canada business, by enabling and actioning critical activities of the Flavor and Concentrate team. Collaborates with Global R&D, Procurement, and Supply Chain on the Innovation and Design to Value pipeline across the KDP portfolio (Cold and Coffee) Influences and aligns strategic plans with key stakeholders and senior leaders to drive the execution of the Ireland strategic business plan across KDP. Leads the Ireland R&D team through execution of key technical projects and support to KDPs concentrate manufacturing network. Evaluates and makes recommendations concerning the application of new formulations, process and productivity opportunities related to flavors concentrate manufacturing. Facilitates and leads the implementation of key systems, processes, and tools to support the rapid development of products across the KDP portfolio. Ability to create and lead processes to drive efficiency, resolve complexity, and prioritize high performance team behavior. Inspires, motivates, and develops talent maintaining a forward thinking, agile, and people focused environment. Manages local R&D budget and aligns with overall business budget planning

Requirements

Minimum bachelors degree, graduate degree preferred. (Food Science desirable). 20+ years of experience with a food/beverage company is highly desirable Multi-disciplinary experience across R&D, Quality, Innovation is a plus Excellent communication skills and ability to effectively work, influence, problem solve and communicate at all levels of the organization Advanced knowledge of Food Science/Food Chemistry. A strong background in Product Development, food ingredients and functionality and ability to work with teams that develop and commercialize products. Solid understanding of flavor manufacturing, preferably with flavor background Extensive experience in building diverse and highly engaged and motivated teams to deliver exceptional results Able to influence across a large complex matrix global organization Strong business awareness and ability to balance technical rigor and business agility Must have strategic thinking, collaboration and change management capabilities with a drive to achieve and exceed business results

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