Our client is a world-leading, global producer of classic food products and seeks the Head of Innovation & Research.
This role is looking for a candidate with strong scientific and technical background (biobased, biotechnology, chemistry, chemical, food science) with a proven track record in research & development. Experience in driving and developing short-term and long-term innovation strategies.
The ideal candidate should have strong management, operations and technical skills as well as excellent leadership, communication and influence skills. Business and commercial acumen is a must to help drive commercialization with business partners. In addition, the ability to build, engage and manage internal, external stakeholders and business partnerships.
Responsibilities
- Strong in Leadership, Strategy & Operation: As part of leadership team, partake in formulating innovations strategy to be aligned with company's direction, then cascade those strategies into departmental strategy, and operational plan & budget
- Develop Group's Short-Term & Long-Term Innovation Strategies: Constantly be on the lookout for new innovative technologies and apply for use within the group
- Business & Commercial Acumen: Convey RDI business objectives to team members and lead them to reach those objectives
- Alignment with Company's Objectives: Oversee departmental s action plans and monitor progress to ensure that objectives are met
- External Stakeholder Management: Build network, engage with external stakeholders such as business partners, government bodies, universities, research institutes, and publics to support the company to reach business objectives
- Internal Stakeholder Management: Periodically report work progress to board committee, as well as bring up challenges and obstacles to light, then propose countermeasures.
- Plan & Control Department's Investments & Budgets: Responsible for planning and controlling of departmental s budget and ensure that investment is utilized effectively.
- Develop Team Capabilities: Develop team members, coaching and guiding them to perform effectively. Foster the development and increase team's capabilities
Requirements
- Completed master's degree (at least) or Ph.D. in science (chemistry, biotechnology, food science or related), or engineering (agricultural, chemical)Proven track record in research & development function in related industries
- Understanding of agriculture business, especially with sound knowledge of bio-based products
- Experienced in leadership role, managing a team size comprising of over 30 people
- Experienced in creating visions, formulating strategy, setting directions and plans
- Ability to lead organizational transformation and change
- Ability to build business partnerships with external parties
- Strong communication and influencing skills
- Able to work in up-country
- Fluent in written and spoken Thai language
