Localisation: Aimargues (30 minutes from Montpellier)

Type of contract: permanent contract

At Royal Canin R&D, the Research Team is responsible for the long-term innovation (4+ years). It consists of science and technology experts that deliver solutions into new or improved products, processes and services that enhance the health and wellbeing of every cat and dog and bring competitive advantage to RC. The team values a broad expertise and the diversity of scientific backgrounds.

The purpose of this role in the Research Team is to lead the Product Research Team to ensure that Royal Canin products lead in palatability by defining a palatability/flavour research roadmap that can provide innovative solutions in the field of palatability/flavour. Additionally, to co-develop with Commercial the global sourcing strategy and deployment programme for flavours. Both sides of the job rely on the backbone expertise in flavour and palatability and product performance.

What are we looking for?

Education & Professional Qualifications

Education: A master's degree or PhD in Flavour chemistry, Food chemistry, Food science or equivalent education relevant for flavour/palatant chemistry.

English Language fluency is expected.

Knowledge / Experience

• More than 5, preferably 10 years of professional experience in the field and business environment
• Track record in developing flavours/palatants and masking off-flavors.
• Experience of delivering project portfolios involving relevant scientific research or innovation
• Experience in people leadership including managing people from different cultures and across different geographies
• Ability to present and communicate complex technical topics in an easy and understandable way
• Willing to travel when required

What will be your Key Responsibilities?

Drive the Science & Technology requests to meet the Product Research team innovation ambition primarily in the field of flavour/palatability, but also digestibility and urinary performance.

• Define the Research strategy in palatability/flavour area for Royal Canin business, ensuring alignment with Royal Canin innovation strategy and leveraging the capabilities within the Mars Petcare ecosystem
• Define programme needs within R&D and manage programme delivery including resources and budgets
• Build and maintain quality measures for flavours/palatants globally, and act as quality guardian for flavour/palatant solutions
• Identify and leverage new flavour/palatant technologies and competencies
• Guide the development of innovative solutions which work in specific matrixes and formulations. Ensure that the solutions delivered also perform on digestibility and urinary safety of the product
• Maintain relationship with flavour/palatant suppliers and lead strategic collaboration
• Be informed about news/trends on-going in the flavour/palatant industry

Engage and align with the other teams to leverage Innovation, and more specifically nurture collaboration of the Product Research team to:

• Develop an IP strategy together with IP team
• Engage local, regional and GIC R&D associates to deploy the flavours/palatant programme fully
• Influence stakeholders within R&D (e.g. R&D VPs) to support the strategy
• Align with other R&D Petcare teams to share best practices and novel solutions
• Co-develop global sourcing strategy for Petcare flavours with commercial.
• Act as key R&D contact with flavour/palatant suppliers including briefing new projects and managing supplier-led innovation
• Ensure effective flow and quality of information between flavour/palatant suppliers & R&D teams
• Lead and direct functional teams supporting the global sourcing flavour/palatant programme

At the same time, engage potential collaborations between Waltham, and different Mars Petcare Ecosystem as appropriate (e.g. Pet Nutrition division, etc.) relevant to the Product Research team.

Lead the Product Research Team:

• Recruit, develop and engage associates
• Define objectives and monitor performance
• Define the way of operating within the team
• Ensure the Product Research team is aligned with the Research, R&D and Royal Canin priorities
• Create the environment for associates to take responsibilities for their assigned research areas and encourage creation of initiatives that will improve the health and nutrition of cats and dogs

Be a Royal Canin R&D leader within the Research LT

• Support the Royal Canin Research Director in inspiring and influencing the business stakeholders by providing insights into how science advances in the areas defined for the Product Research team will unlock the ability to achieve business objectives and long-term strategic success
• Take responsibility for the optimal organizational and competence structure through the management and development of research talent, including coaching, mentoring and leadership of the Product Research team, developing best in class functional expertise within the team
• Express high performing behaviours helping the Research Director and peers to shape the Research team together

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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