Head of Application & Innovation

Job Purpose:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Application & Innovation to lead our application and innovation lab; report directly to CCO. This role will focus on enhancing the product portfolio of food ingredients, home personal care (HPC).

Job Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Development

- Innovative Strategy Execution: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy leveraging market insights that align with customer requirements. Ensure that our sweet and savory food ingredients, along with HPC solutions, remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

2. New Product Development

- Product Formulation Oversight: Lead the end-to-end process of developing new sweet and savory food ingredients, as well as integrating HPC technologies into product development. Oversee research, formulation, testing, and ensure compliance with stringent quality and regulatory standards.

3. Market Analysis

- Thorough Market Research: Conduct in-depth analyses of emerging trends, customer preferences, and the competitive landscape in both food ingredients and HPC applications. Utilize this data to inform decision-making and identify opportunities for product innovation.

4. Collaboration

- Cross-Functional Partnership: Work closely with various teams, including marketing, sales, and manufacturing, to ensure seamless product launches. Facilitate open communication to align goals and strategies across departments, fostering a collaborative environment.

5. Customer Engagement

- Stakeholder Interaction: Actively engage with key customers and stakeholders to gain insights into their needs and expectations for sweet, savory food ingredients, and HPC solutions. Gather and analyze feedback on product performance to drive continuous improvement.

6. Budget Management

- Resource Allocation: Oversee the budget for the Application & Innovation department, ensuring efficient allocation of resources for both food ingredient development and HPC initiatives. Monitor expenditures and implement cost-effective strategies without compromising quality.

7. Industry Insight

- Trend Monitoring: Stay abreast of industry developments, emerging technologies, and competitive movements within the food ingredients sector and HPC landscape. Use this knowledge to guide R&D strategies and ensure that our offerings are at the forefront of innovation.

8. Leadership

- Team Management: Lead and inspire the Application & Innovation team, promoting a culture of creativity, accountability, and collaboration. Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities to team members, fostering an environment where innovative ideas can thrive.

Others: any other responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time by the Board of Management.

Requirements:

- Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree or higher in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field

- Minimum 10 years of progressively senior leadership experience in R&D within the food and nutrition industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Proven track record of successfully leading and managing high-performing teams, driving strategic growth initiatives, and making impactful executive-level decisions.

- Minimum of 10 years of experience in food ingredient development, with a focus on sweet and savory applications.

- Proven track record of leading innovative projects and teams.

- Good understanding of product applications in the Home Personal Care sector.

- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

- Analytical and decision-making skills

- Proficiency in budget management and financial analysis

- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills