R&d Manager Grains and Seeds Mixes

For the Business Unit Bakery Sourdough & Grains in Groot-Bijgaarden we are searching a R&D manager Grains and Seeds mixes. You will focus on Grains and Seed mixes by managing the development of new and innovative products and concepts, and managing the adaptation of existing products and the creation of tailor-made products based on customer’s request. You will also support countries in the business development of bread mixes.

**Key Accountabilities**:
**Product development/innovation**
- Lead and support innovation projects in collaboration with resources outside of the BU
- Ensure compliance of the projects with the Stage & gate process, progress them through the innovation funnel
- Present projects to Gate keeping meetings and stakeholders in order to ensure their buy-in
- Collaborate with Technical Advisors in order to deliver innovative solutions aligned with consumers’ and customers’ needs.
- Run own applied research projects based on market’s request (formulation, organization and interpretation of baking tests, lab tests, sensorial analysis, validations with pilot countries in the market)

**Business support and development in countries**
- Collaborate with our subsidiaries worldwide to optimise the product range, develop new products, adapt existing products and create tailor-made products based on customer’s request.
- Support the implementation of strategic innovations, international marketing plans and strategies related to bakery products, in collaboration with Marketing manager, Business Unit Director and regional Directors.
- Train and support the local R&D, Marketing and sales teams in our subsidiaries on new techniques and skills to ensure their competence in the bakery field.
- Organise and Present product category for customer visits
- Follow-up of SANCOC in countries within area of responsibility
- Visit subsidiaries to provide support locally and send reports to relevant community, organize/participate to follow-up meetings

**Support to designated large accounts and support to operations**
- Ensure technical support at customers
- Point of contact to support countries
- Work with the available BDM tools and inputs, such as SANCOC updates, customer/country/region reviews, and integrate your R&D activities within such broader business development context
- Act as First Point of Contact for Regulatory, Quality and Purchase teams and participate in /organise up-date meetings
- Lead and prioritize projects linked to cost savings or regulatory compliance
- Continuous improvement: identify potential cost savings and opportunities to improve ways of working
- Ensure compliance of documentation in line with BRC certification for the BU

**Training**
- Organize, lead and present during technical seminars in Belgium (bread faculty) or in regions
- Ensure information dispatch (articles, results of test baking centre,) to local R&D Managers

**Who are we looking for?**
- You have an academic degree in Bioscience Engineering, Food Technology or equivalent
- 5 years of relevant experience in product development and/or with practical manufacturing process (line experience) in the bakery or related industry
- You are passionate about food and have knowledge about food processing and quality
- You are critical thinking and problem solving
- You have a ‘hands-on’ mindset who is able to drive projects autonomously
- You are a dynamic person that is able to challenge, plan and organize
- You have strong communication skills and can build a good collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
- You are fluent in English, any other languages are a plus

**Why would you join Puratos?**

You will join a fast-growing, stable family business that has become an international market leader with a corporate culture in which innovation and entrepreneurship are part of our main priorities. You will benefit from a great deal of freedom in your work, with plenty of room for initiative. A great work environment with lots of challenges is what you can expect:

- Responsibilities and the possibility to take ownership of your work
- Training and career opportunities to build your career within our company

You can count on a competitive salary package with attractive benefits.

**Are you looking for the right recipe for your career?**

Puratos is a growing, international, Belgian family business with a team of more than 9000 employees worldwide. Since 1919, we have been developing, producing and distributing innovative ingredients for the bakery, patisserie and chocolate sectors and helping our customers to be successful. We are committed to the health and well-being of people and protecting the planet.

Are you looking for the right recipe for your career? Choose Puratos, a Top Employer in Belgium.