The Director, Global Research & Development leads the execution of APC's global R&D strategy, driving innovation in products and processes that support business growth, operational efficiency, and customer value. This role is responsible for managing the global R&D project portfolio, strengthening technical capabilities, and partnering cross-functionally to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions. The Director also develops technical talent, advances scientific knowledge, and ensures R&D activities align with business objectives, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
Key ACCOUNTABILITIES
R&D Strategy & Portfolio Execution
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Execute the global R&D strategy in alignment with business priorities and growth objectives.
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Translate strategic priorities into a clear R&D roadmap and project portfolio.
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Prioritize and manage projects to ensure delivery against timelines, budgets, and expected outcomes.
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Provide insight and recommendations to senior leadership regarding innovation opportunities, technical risks, and future research priorities.
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Ensure R&D resources are aligned to support business needs and strategic initiatives.
Product & Process Innovation
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Lead development of new products, applications, and technologies.
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Drive continuous improvement of existing products and manufacturing processes.
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Oversee experimental design, validation, and scale-up activities from laboratory through commercial implementation.
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Collaborate with manufacturing teams to improve quality, efficiency, and product performance.
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Ensure innovation efforts are scientifically sound, commercially viable, and aligned with customer requirements.
Technical Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Serve as a key technical advisor to Production, Quality, Regulatory, Commercial, and Supply Chain teams.
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Provide expertise in resolving complex technical, operational, and customer-related challenges.
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Support customer interactions through technical presentations, demonstrations, training, and problem-solving activities.
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Partner with global business leaders to align technical initiatives with operational priorities.
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Promote knowledge sharing and collaboration across APC's global operations.
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Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, quality, safety, and documentation requirements.
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Maintain integrity, traceability, and proper retention of scientific data and technical records.
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Support compliance with ISO and other applicable management systems.
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Monitor relevant scientific, regulatory, and industry developments that may impact APC products or operations.
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Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to mitigate compliance risks and support continuous improvement.
Financial & Operational Management
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Develop and manage the R&D budget.
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Monitor project expenditures and resource allocation to maximize return on investment.
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Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and optimize laboratory and R&D operations.
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Lead pursuit of grants, research funding, strategic partnerships, and external collaborations.
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Ensure appropriate laboratory infrastructure, equipment, systems, and resources are available to support business objectives.
Team Leadership & Development
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Build, lead, and develop a high-performing global R&D team.
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Establish clear expectations, accountability, and development plans for team members.
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Coach and develop team members to strengthen technical expertise and leadership capability.
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Support succession planning and talent development initiatives.
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Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous learning, and scientific excellence.
External Engagement & Thought Leadership
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Represent APC in industry forums, conferences, and technical engagements.
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Build relationships with external research partners, universities, and industry networks.
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Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive developments.
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Promote APC's scientific capabilities and technical reputation within the marketplace.
SCOPE & IMPACT
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Leads global research and development activities supporting APC's innovation and growth objectives.
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Oversees the R&D project portfolio, laboratory capabilities, and technical talent across supported regions.
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Influences product development, process improvement, customer solutions, and business performance.
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Partners extensively with Production, Quality, Commercial, Regulatory, and Supply Chain teams.
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Represents APC in external scientific, industry, and research collaborations.
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Directly impacts product differentiation, operational efficiency, technical credibility, and long-term business growth.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
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Ph.D. preferred in Animal Science, Biology, Chemistry, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Food Science, Pharmacy, or a related scientific discipline preferred.
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Master's degree in a related scientific discipline with significant industry leadership experience will also be considered.
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Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
Experience
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8+ years of progressive experience within research and development, technical services, product development, or related scientific disciplines.
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3+ years of leadership experience managing technical or scientific teams.
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Experience in food, feed, agri-food, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or related industries preferred.
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Experience leading complex R&D programs from concept through commercialization.
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Demonstrated success working cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Regulatory, and Commercial teams.
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Experience supporting global operations and collaborating across multiple geographies preferred.
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Experience managing technical budgets, research portfolios, and resource planning strongly preferred.
Additional Qualifications
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Working proficiency in English, including the ability to communicate effectively in meetings, presentations, technical discussions, and written reports. Proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese desirable.
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Training or experience with quality management systems, including ISO 9001, HACCP, or comparable quality frameworks.
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Experience in identifying and managing grants and funding programs for R&D and industrial investment projects.
KEY CAPABILITIES
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Strategic Thinking: Aligns scientific and technical initiatives with business goals and future growth opportunities.
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Scientific & Technical Expertise: Applies strong scientific knowledge to solve complex challenges and advance innovation.
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Execution & Results Orientation: Drives projects to completion while balancing timelines, quality, cost, and business priorities.
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Global Regulatory & Trade Awareness: Understands the regulatory, import/export, and international business considerations that influence product development, commercialization, customer requirements, and global operations.
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Collaboration & Influence: Builds strong partnerships across functions, geographies, customers, and external stakeholders.
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People Leadership: Develops engaged, capable teams and fosters a culture of accountability and continuous learning.
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Financial Acumen: Manages budgets, resources, and investments responsibly to maximize business value.
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Communication & Executive Presence: Communicates complex scientific and technical concepts effectively to a variety of audiences, including customers, business leaders, industry groups, and scientific organizations. Demonstrates strong presentation, facilitation, and public speaking skills in both internal and external settings.
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Continuous Improvement: Identifies opportunities to improve products, processes, systems, and organizational effectiveness.
COGNITIVE & DECISION-MAKING REQUIREMENTS
This role requires the ability to evaluate complex scientific, technical, operational, and commercial information and make sound decisions that support business objectives and innovation outcomes.
The role includes:
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Evaluating research data, experimental results, and technical findings to guide product and process development.
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Balancing competing priorities across multiple projects, business needs, and resource constraints.
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Assessing technical, regulatory, quality, and commercial risks associated with innovation initiatives.
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Translating complex scientific concepts into practical business recommendations.
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Leading teams through ambiguity, changing priorities, and evolving business requirements.
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Exercising sound judgment on matters that can impact product performance, operational effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction.
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Identifying opportunities for innovation, continuous improvement, and long-term business growth.
Occupational Risk Prevention, Environment, and Energy Efficiency
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Research activities related to new products, adaptation of existing products, and development of industrial processes.
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Risk Assessment: R&D Laboratory Operator.
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Display screen equipment.
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Burn risk.
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Glass cut risk.
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Forklift operation.
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Biological risk.
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Noise.
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Entrapment risk.
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Basic knowledge of ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 acquired through annual company training.
Workplace: Laboratory and external activities (customer visits, trade fairs, conferences, etc.).
Note:
“This is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities and requirements associated with this position; it is intended to accurately represent the current role.”
