Research & Innovation Director

|Food & Dairy - Management|Auckland
  • Key exec level role in NZ for multinational business
  • Strategic product and business innovation leadership
  • Highly cross functional role 

The Company:
Our Auckland-based client is a global leader in the nutritional dairy industry and widely regarded as an employer that invests in its staff. With a strong reputation for providing quality products to New Zealand, Australia and Asia, demand for their expanding range of products continue to grow at a significant rate.
 
The Role:
As the most senior New Zealand-based R&I position you will be responsible for design, drive and delivering of new “first time right” innovation  while also maintaining the company’s commitment to sustainability and, the short, medium and long term business strategy.  You will continue to build and develop the capability of the established team of innovative professionals, both retaining existing talent and mentoring their continued growth.  This position is the spearhead of the next generation of products, so you’ll need to provide direction in market trends and work collaboratively to introduce financially viable products into manufacturing.
 
As part of the senior leadership team, you will also work cross-functionally with your colleagues and their teams to provide seamless interactions  in support of operational troubleshooting and new product introductions.
 
 
You, the Candidate:
As a preferred candidate you will have a tertiary qualification in Food Technology, Science or Nutrition with at least 10 years experience in the food or dairy industry where you have worked with both innovation/NPD and with a high level of exposure to quality/compliance/regulatory standards, preferably with high-risk products. You MUST HAVE experience with nutritional base powder NPD/R&D or at least be technically knowledgeable on this subject.
 
You will have large company experience, be used to working unilaterally, and have proven ability to leader, mentor and develop your teams.  At an executive level, you will be used to listening to the needs of the business and your customers, and proactively guiding the business to continue to grow, and do so with passion and enthusiasm.
 
The successful candidate will ideally possess the following attributes:

  • Tertiary qualification in Food Technology/Science/Nutrition or similar
  • Solid knowledge/experience in nutritional base powder development
  • 10+ years practical food or dairy product development and innovation
  • 5+ years senior leadership/executive level management
  • Proactive leadership skills, anticipating and solving issues before that become critical
  • A proven ability to complete projects within tight deadlines
  • Excellent communication and organisational skills
  • Able to work as part of a team

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take the next step in a sought after position with a highly supportive and successful nutritional dairy business. This permanent role offers an excellent salary package including bonus.  The position is based in Auckland, but some international travel will be required.
 
For a confidential inquiry or to apply for this position please click on the APPLY button, or alternatively contact Tony De Barr on 04 916 0541, email tony@trs.co.nz .
Note: If this vacancy is not exactly what you are seeking, then please contact me in confidence to discuss your individual requirements.