Research and Development Lead

Key Skills: Significant experience in development of Plant-based food ingredients. Prior commercial experience in a R&D leadership role.

Role overview: This is an exciting opportunity to build and lead the R&D capabilities in a newly established and fully funded food-tech start-up, working on developing a versatile range of sustainable functional food ingredients from a grain called amaranth.

Job Overview:

• Develop a detailed R&D strategy to create an innovative protein/starch extraction process and develop a range of functional food ingredients.
• Validate the R&D lab layout and design the workflow (incl. equipment).
• Hire the R&D team (amend existing job descriptions, leverage own and external networks to scout for candidates, interview, onboard successful applicants).
• Manage the process and ingredient development.
• Work with external partners and laboratories to conduct experiments and analytical tests.
• Develop a pipeline of research projects to be done with academic institutions in the UK.
• Overall: lead, strategize, plan, organize, communicate internally and externally.
• Accountable for daily decision making in the lab.

Capability requirements:

• PhD in a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in developing & commercializing food ingredients.
• Experience in grain processing or plant-based protein extraction is preferred.
• Experience in launching an R&D facility and assembling a team is preferred.
• Deep knowledge of food and food industry (ingredients and Consumer Packaged Goods).
• Creative proactive entrepreneurial approach to work.
• Strong business acumen, leadership, planning, strategy, communication.

Package:

Our client offers a permanent position with a starting salary of £70,000-£80,000 (depending on experience). This is an opportunity to join the company at start-up phase with significant career development as the company grows.