Pectin & Seaweed R&D Leader

IFF; Aarhus; On-site; DKK 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

IFF is seeking an experienced R&D leader to head the Pectin & Seaweeds organization in Brabrand. You will guide a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians to develop next‑generation pectin- and seaweed-based ingredients for global food and beverage applications.

You will drive strategy, talent development, and execution from concept through commercialization, while managing budgets and collaborating with commercial, regulatory, and external partners.

Qualifications

• MSc degree or higher in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years leading a significant or mid-sized technical or R&D team.
• Strong technical expertise in pectin and/or seaweed-based ingredient technologies and their food applications.
• Proven track record leading innovation, product development and commercialization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through organizational change and transformation while maintaining engagement.
• Experience managing budgets, resource allocation, and strategic portfolio prioritization.
• Strong people leadership skills, including coaching, talent development, performance management, and succession planning.
• Excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills with the ability to influence across functions.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into business value.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary R&D organization focused on pectin and seaweed ingredients.
• Champion a safe, healthy, inclusive, and engaging work environment.
• Drive execution of innovation and product development from concept to commercialization.
• Establish clear priorities, allocate resources, and manage budgets and talent.
• Build partnerships across R&D, commercial, operations, regulatory, and external networks.
• Ensure scientific rigor, customer relevance, and IP generation across programs.
• Attract, develop, coach, and retain top scientific talent and leadership succession.
• Lead organizational transformation as Food Ingredients becomes independent under CVC ownership.
• Drive continuous improvement with digital tools and data-driven decision making.

Skills

Leadership

Pectin & seaweed tech

Strategic portfolio

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Team development

Change leadership

Communication

Education

MSc or higher in Food Science/Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Biochemistry

Job description

IFF is seeking an experienced R&D leader to head the Pectin & Seaweeds organization in Brabrand. You will guide a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians to develop next‑generation pectin- and seaweed-based ingredients for global food and beverage applications.

You will drive strategy, talent development, and execution from concept through commercialization, while managing budgets and collaborating with commercial, regulatory, and external partners.