Job Opportunity: Ingredient Solutions Director, Europe
We are seeking an experienced Ingredient Solutions Director for Europe—a visionary leader who can secure and enhance our portfolio of ingredients and formulas, ensuring seamless delivery to our customers throughout the region.
Located at our state-of-the-art Innovation Center in Kemptthal, Switzerland, this role reports directly to the Head of Regional Innovation Europe. You will guide our Ingredient & Formula (I&F) and IPLC teams, shaping the ingredient landscape of tomorrow while ensuring operational continuity today.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Set Direction: Define and lead the strategy for ingredient and formula optimization across our diverse product portfolio, ensuring we offer the best possible palette for current and future market demands.
- Safeguard Continuity: Implement processes and risk-management frameworks to protect supply, mitigate challenges, and simplify operations without compromising quality.
- Champion I&F's Role: Elevate the profile of ingredient and formula management within the organization as a vital enabler of customer satisfaction and margin realization.
Innovation & Development
- Guide Creative Problem-Solving: Introduce market-leading tools and methodologies for proactive and reactive formula optimization.
- Refresh and Future-Proof: Evaluate and refresh ingredient palettes to enhance performance, meet evolving regulatory guidelines, and align with major consumer trends such as natural, clean label, and sustainable sourcing.
- Harness Digitalization: Utilize AI and digital tools to anticipate ingredient challenges and opportunities, identifying gaps before they escalate into operational issues.
Execution Excellence & Customer Focus
- Champion Delivery: Lead the validation and execution of formula changes, ensuring smooth roll-outs to both manufacturing and customer supply chains.
- Maximize Value: Develop plans that directly enhance business and customer outcomes, such as improving delivery efficiency or reducing lead times through formula optimization.
- Connect Innovation to Improve: Ensure ingredient and formula expertise aligns closely with commercial goals, delivering tailored, high-value solutions for our customers.
Knowledge, Systems and Compliance
- Remain a Trusted Expert: Stay updated on regulatory developments in EU food, flavouring, and additive compliance, translating them into practical business practices.
- Use Systems for Speed: Lead processes associated with formula change and industrialization, using data and KPIs for speed, accuracy, and transparency.
People and Talent Leadership
- Inspire and Develop: Build, coach, and empower teams across Europe, nurturing expertise and developing a pipeline of future talent.
- Cultivate Collaboration: Foster connections with essential internal communities, including Flavourists and Issue Management teams, promoting best practices and mutual support.
Your Professional Profile
- Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Food Technology, or a related technical discipline
- 15+ years of leadership experience in formulation, ingredient or flavour technology, product development, or related fields
- Demonstrated expertise in ingredient delivery systems, scale-up, and industrialization
- Experience with supplier management, procurement, and financial accountability
- In-depth knowledge of EU food regulations, labelling, allergens, and compliance regimes (REACH, Novel Foods)
- Experience in R&D pipelines, trend translation, and bringing innovations from concept to market
- Proven track record in cross-functional leadership and talent development
- Business fluency in English; knowledge of additional languages is an advantage
Our Benefits in Kemptthal
- Excellent opportunities for progressive learning and development
- Flexible working model with a 40-hour work week
- Additional paid days off and favorable pension fund contributions
- Subsidized meals in the staff restaurant and discounted catering offers
- Access to a sports and leisure club with amenities on-site
- Discounts at the company shop and free staff parking
- Subsidized REKA vouchers and SBB half-fare travel card
- Complimentary beverages (tea, coffee, water) at all locations
- Worldwide private accident coverage with free choice of hospital
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.