Research, Development & Applications Lead at Kerry

Key responsibilities

• To manage and deliver the execution of active projects to meet the strategy and growth targets.

To manage the innovation portfolio across the various technology groups, which entails:

• Combining a clear understanding of customer needs and technical expertise in order to formulate innovation initiatives.
• Determining how Kerry can gain competitive differentiation in the region through excellence in research and driving product development that will exceed the customer’s expectations. 
• Evaluating the existing product portfolio; determine where enhancements may be made to create best-in-category products.
• Recommend and screen all potential raw materials necessary to build portfolio 
• In alignment with the regional leadership team and global R&D stakeholders, appropriately select and prioritize projects that add the most value to Kerry’s customers.
• Assignment of resources – people and budgets. 
• Tracking of project progress relative to milestones and launch dates. 
• Build and develop the RD&A organization by hiring, coaching, training and providing regular feedback, particularly to the team of direct reports.  Instill a high-performance culture across the RD&A function through leadership by example.
• Ensure that Kerry is keeping abreast of cutting-edge science to drive efficiencies and effectiveness in the quest to develop new product solutions.

Work closely with the Supply Chain / Operations function to support:

•  Process improvements in the plants.
•  Business continuity.
•  Regulatory support for registrations of plants and inspections as needed. 
•  Productivity.
• Play a key role in as a technical lead for select key account and remain as the main contact to drive consistency in sharing and improved of service quality. 
• Help drive the business through active participation and contribution on the senior leadership committee.
• Contribute to the regional RD&A strategy and how it can be aligned to business goals.  Share a vision of excellence in R&D and create a road map for implementation.
• Support & coordinate 1Kerry approach to Customers and adopt Kerry ways of working

Qualifications and skills

• A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science
• At least minimum of 15 years work experience in RD&A various leadership roles within a regulated food / ingredients industry. 
• Exposure to multiple markets in the APMEA region. 
• Previous experience in preparing and managing budgets. 
• Demonstrated track record of successful innovations in the commercial marketplace. 
• Experience in transferring innovations into plants and an understanding of plant operations. 
• Experience in building and maintaining a highly talented, high performance R&D organization.
• Ability to communicate a compelling vision for RD&A function to various internal and external stakeholders. 
• Strong understanding of the business environment, customers, competitors and especially government regulations.  
• Strong understanding of wider business focus, and impact RD&A can have on separate functions. 
• Ability to build relationships with, impact and influence effectively in a cross-functional highly matrixed environment. 
• Decisive, demonstrated ability to make difficult calls based on a combination of data, analysis and experience. 
• Understanding of company’s near, mid and long term priorities, with a sense of urgency to adapt to changing business situations.
• Up to date knowledge of key competitors and their activities within the region
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to lead, motivate and develop talent

Competencies Required:

• An analytical thinker capable of conveying technical information in a user-friendly manner.
• Self-starter who can manage fluctuating workloads and projects using a high degree of initiative.
• Strong team player with a clear focus on stakeholder engagement and solution delivery.
• Strong communicator in terms of excellent verbal and written communication skills, comfortable interacting with confidence across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Takes personal accountability and ownership of actions to completion.