Chemical jobs in United States

The Vision
You will be the primary architect of our Group’s innovation engine. Your mandate is to transform and centralize our FMCG research and development capabilities, creating a high-performance ecosystem that balances scientific rigor with market agility.

Leading the charge in developing world‑class formulations and process innovations that ensure our brands remain the first choice for consumers while maintaining a competitive edge in cost, quality, and sustainability.

This is a "legacy-building" role. You are not just managing a department; you are building the scientific foundation for a global FMCG leader. You will have the resources of a major group with the mandate to disrupt and innovate.

Innovation Roadmap: Architect and execute a multi‑year R&D strategy that aligns with Group growth targets and category expansion.

Platform Development: Build "Center of Excellence" (CoE) platforms for core science (e.g., taste chemistry, texture, nutrition) that can be leveraged across all Business Units (BUs).

Future‑Proofing: Identify "Blue Ocean" opportunities in adjacent spaces such as functional beverages, premiumization, and sustainable packaging.

Structure: Establish and lead a hybrid model:

Central R&D: Focused on core science, shared technology, and long‑term pipelines.

BU‑Embedded Teams: Focused on local adaptation, rapid execution, and line extensions.

Efficiency: Implement a robust Stage‑Gate framework to prioritise high‑value projects, prevent duplication, and accelerate "Idea‑to‑Shelf" timelines.

End‑to‑End Oversight: Drive the lifecycle from initial molecule/concept through pilot scale‑up to full‑scale manufacturing.

Cross‑Functional Synergy: Partner with Marketing, Sales, and Supply Chain to ensure every innovation is commercially viable, manufacturable, and margin‑accretive.

Technical Transfer: Ensure seamless hand‑offs between R&D labs and factory floors, minimising "speed‑to‑market" friction.

Standards Leadership: Ensure 100% compliance with global and local food safety regulations.

Reformulation: Lead proactive "clean label" and nutritional optimisation initiatives to stay ahead of changing consumer health trends and regulatory shifts.

Talent Engine: Recruit and mentor a world‑class team of food technologists, chemists, and engineers; foster a culture of "commercial pragmatism" where science serves the consumer.

Infrastructure: Modernise R&D labs, pilot plants, and sensory evaluation facilities to reflect a "state‑of‑the‑art" innovation environment.

External Ecosystem: Build strategic alliances with ingredient suppliers, universities, and tech vendors to bring "outside‑in" innovation to the Group.

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

15+ years of R&D experience within FMCG manufacturing (food & beverage preferred)

Proven leadership experience managing central or multi‑category R&D functions

Strong exposure to: Coffee, tea, instant foods, confectionery, or similar categories

Scale‑up from lab to factory

Regulatory and quality environments

Experience working closely with Manufacturing, QA, Marketing, and Commercial teams