Senior Manager, R&D Pectin and Seaweeds

Are you an experienced R&D leader with deep expertise in pectin and seaweed technologies, a passion for innovation, and a proven ability to build and lead high-performing scientific teams through transformation? We are looking for an inspiring and results-oriented leader to lead our Pectin & Seaweeds R&D organization. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of talented scientists, engineers, and lab technicians developing the next generation of pectin- and seaweed-based ingredient solutions for global food, beverage, and emerging applications. The role is based in Brabrand (an on-site role). Be part of a team that turns science and collaboration into meaningful value — for our company, for customers seeking winning solutions, for consumers who want enjoyable and healthy food, and for a planet that needs more sustainable choices. Your potential is our inspiration. Where You'll Make a Difference Lead and develop a multidisciplinary R&D organization focused on pectin and seaweed ingredient technologies, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, and collaboration. Champion a safe, healthy, inclusive, and engaging work environment where safety, wellbeing, and employee development are top priorities. Drive execution of strategic innovation and product development portfolios from concept through commercialization, ensuring delivery against business objectives and customer expectations. Establish clear priorities, allocate resources effectively, and manage budgets, capabilities, and talent to maximize business impact and value creation. Build strong partnerships across R&D, commercial, operations, regulatory, and external innovation networks with customers and academia to accelerate differentiated customer solutions. Ensure scientific rigor, customer relevance, and intellectual property generation across development programs and technology platforms. Attract, develop, coach, and retain top scientific talent while strengthening succession plans and future leadership capabilities. Lead organizational transformation initiatives as Food Ingredients evolves into an independent company under ownership of CVC, creating clarity, engagement, and accountability across teams. Drive continuous improvement by simplifying ways of working and embedding digital tools, data-driven decision making, and modern R&D practices. What Makes You the Right Fit MSc degree or higher in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or another relevant scientific discipline. Minimum 5 years of proven people leadership experience leading a significant or mid-sized technical, scientific, or R&D team, with demonstrated success developing talent and delivering results through others. Strong technical expertise in pectin and/or seaweed-based ingredient technologies and their food, beverage, or related applications. Proven track record leading innovation, product development, and commercialization programs in a complex business environment. Demonstrated ability to lead through organizational change and transformation while maintaining engagement and performance. 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 and organizational levels. Strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into business value and customer-focused solutions. How Would You Stand Out? Advanced academic background in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related discipline. Experience working within global ingredient, food, beverage, or specialty ingredient organizations. Proven success building intellectual property, platform technologies, and strategic external innovation partnerships. Why Choose Us? Share our passion for food science and