The development and application of knowledge are closely linked in Danisco. Research, development and technical service activities work closely together in a global innovation network. This network secures fast and easy access to relevant, up-to-date knowledge about all aspects of innovation work. It gives Danisco the opportunity to achieve maximum knowledge management and make the best use of the synergy that complementary knowledge creates. Much of what we learn from innovation activities is shared with customers via seminars, training courses and the online customer centre, Partnerweb. In all confidential customer dialogues, innovation is central to the value proposition for our customers.
We are looking for a canidate who will be responsible for directing the activities of the Innovation Group of North America (NFTA) that currently includes application development, customer support, technical support to our factories, as well as technical support in the US, Mexico and Canada. The incumbent reports to the VP, Food Science Innovation & Regional President, North America, and is accountable for developing this organization so that it is recognized as the best supplier to customers for technical service and for innovative ideas. Essential duties and responsibilities will be to:
Determine and develop proactive initiatives with regards to market needs and short and long term product development.
Design and implement strategies to provide customer support to promote and increase sales. This involves working closely with the Business Units and global Innovation to align global and regional strategies.
Work with global Innovation to optimize resources and competencies.
Participate in regional (North America) and global Innovation management groups.
Interaction with executive levels of key customers, including partnership programs and joint ventures.
Participate with product management and sales to ensure that communication and prioritization of project work and technical resources are optimized for the company.
Facilitate proper support to the Operations Group for successful implementation of new products or improve existing products.
Direct the administration of the Regional Innovation groups, i.e.; salary, staffing, policy, expense budgets, capital expenditures, facilities, equipment, etc
Support technical presence of company through professional associations and technical presentations.
Design professional development program for Innovation Team.
Support development/training for elevated expertise of Danisco’s product line. This includes Innovation, Sales, Product Service and Business Units.
Support initiatives related to Global Knowledge Sharing, including invention disclosures, patents, technical literature, and global knowledge team activities.
Responsible for design, implementation and adherence to quality systems including, ISO Programs and Food Safety, with an understanding of Danisco's Quality Policy and Procedures.
You are degreed in Food Science or related technical area with a related advanced degree, a Ph.D. is preferred. The ideal candidate should also have minimum 10 years experience in the technical development of food products with a minimum 10 years supervisory experience. In addition to budget management experience, international experience is preferred. Additional experience would include:
Good track record in managing a scientific organization
Good balance between strategic and tactical focus
Motivational skills, team builder, strong leadership, work actively to lead advancement of own team, excellent presentation skills
Internal and External customer management skillsWorked in a large organization that experienced change and growth with multifunctional peers (matrix)
More application driven than basic product development/analytical
Able to participate in scientific R&D projects
Customer focused knowledge as well as recognized by the food industry
Strategic thinker with ability to work towards Danisco global goals
Bilingual – Spanish ideal
Travel up to 50%. International travel required
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Application deadline is 31 December 2008.
Business area:
Research & Development
Reference no:
EN-00968
Before you apply
Have your CV/Resumé and cover letter ready.
Our recruitment system is optimized for IE 6.0 and uses Adobe PDF Reader.
We recommend that you disable pop-up blockers.
Before you apply
Top
Print
Mail a colleague about this page
