Research & Development Manager

Join the Magic

At Puratos, we create innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie, and chocolate ingredients, we help our customers succeed by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities.

We are more than 10,000 employees in over 70 countries with a consolidated turnover of 2.8 billion euros (in 2022). Our passion for innovation, a pioneering spirit, and the unique Puratos culture drive our solid growth and vision for the future. This, along with our commitment to our local communities, is what makes working at Puratos so magical.

Job Opportunity

To strengthen our team in Addis Ababa – Ethiopia, we are looking for a: Research and Development Manager in Addis Ababa – Ethiopia

Your Mission

The Research and Development Manager reports directly to the General Manager of Puratos Ethiopia and functionally to the regional Research and Development Director. This key function is responsible for:

• Providing proactive technical support for business development (sales, marketing).
• Driving the development of new bakery, patisserie, and chocolate products and concepts.
• Supporting effective and efficient operations of the organization and department.

Key Accountabilities

• Responsible for the development of competencies in R&D for powder and wet products.
• Deliver training for salespeople and demonstrators.
• Conduct customer visits and presentations.
• Assure high-level technical support and good commercial contacts with key accounts.
• Provide R&D support for production (technical & quality issues, obsolete stock, SKU management).
• Manage the TA & the Innovation Center.
• Develop the R&D team based on business evolution.
• Interact with the regional team to keep the local team informed and trained on the latest Group innovations/technologies.
• Ensure all technical data linked to products are correct and comply with food legislation.
• Ensure confidentiality of formulas and protection of know-how.
• Operation support: select the right raw materials, define the process, and establish QC for raw materials and finished products.
• Perform other duties assigned by the General Manager.

1. Innovation, Customer Projects, and Technical Support

• Manage the innovation pipeline in line with Group strategy and guidelines.
• Boost and promote the development and implementation of strategic and international innovation products and services.
• Organize competence-building projects internally or with external partners.
• Ensure confidentiality and respect Group rules on IP protection.
• Sustain adoption of digital tools and process automation.

2. Support Improvement of Profitability and Operations

• Provide support to operations for the implementation of new ingredients and products.
• Take a proactive approach to reduce costs in collaboration with purchase and operations.
• Provide support during external quality audits; ensure traceable documentation of all relevant R&D activities.

3. Internal and External Stakeholder Management

• Contribute as an active member of the management team to sustain business objectives.
• Create a strong network with leaders of the countries to inspire teams with new products and ideas.
• Establish a strong internal network with stakeholders to share best practices and create new solutions.
• Build a strong external network with key customers, suppliers, and research institutes.

Qualifications

• Academic background: Bachelor's degree in food science or equivalent.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in applied R&D from the international food industry.
• 3 years’ experience in leading R&D activity and team from the international food industry.
• R&D experience from bakery, patisserie, or chocolate industry is a plus.
• Good knowledge of food regulations.
• Languages: Fluent in English.
• ICT: Standard Windows – minimum Excel.
• Other expertise: Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
• Passion for industry processing – combines intelligence with hands-on.
• Mix of analytical and highly communicative person.
• Dynamic and proactive personality; doesn’t accept the status quo.
• Customer-oriented with a sense for business development opportunities.
• Strong networker.

Skills Required:

• Food / Technology / Science / Engineering