SUMMARY:
We are looking for a dynamic, independent, and professional leader to head our R&D Laboratory team. The successful candidate will be a confident problem solver, skilled at delivering on company objectives, and will be groomed for a senior management role within our organisation.
POSITION INFO:
Purpose of the Role
- Lead the laboratory strategy and execution of timely flavour and colour product development.
- Manage projects, collaborate with technical and management teams, interpret client briefs, and ensure final products align with expectations and deadlines.
Requirements & Skills Needed
- Degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or related fields (essential).
- Additional management qualification (advantageous).
- Proven experience in managing laboratory teams with strong understanding of laboratory practices.
- Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills.
- Experience in flavour evaluation, olfactive and gustatory profiling (advantageous).
- Understanding of the flavour & colour market (advantageous).
- Excellent project management and multitasking skills.
- Strong communication and presentation abilities with stakeholder influence skills.
- Creative vision with ability to transform client briefs into innovative solutions.
- Strong problem-solving abilities to resolve technical challenges in flavour and colour development.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement project strategies for flavour and colour development.
- Manage multiple client briefs from concept to execution with timely delivery.
- Collaborate with management, flavour technologists, and creative teams to create innovative flavour profiles.
- Translate client requirements into clear development guidelines.
- Stay informed on market trends, consumer insights, and competitor activity to guide innovation.
- Establish and improve laboratory protocols and SOPs to enhance efficiency.
- Partner with cross-functional teams including sales, QC, and technical to achieve company goals.
- Oversee stability trials, troubleshooting, and evaluation of submissions.
- Mentor and develop junior staff to strengthen laboratory capabilities.
- Streamline development processes by utilising and updating the flavour & colour library.
- Provide monthly progress and resource reports to management.
- Manage training, testing, samples, packaging, consumables, and raw material inventory.
