R&D Director – FMCG Innovation Leader

About the role

At KPMG Executive Search & Selection we are recruiting on behalf of a leading FMCG organization for an R&D Director to lead innovation, product development and continuous improvement across the product portfolio. The R&D Director will define and execute the R&D strategy, drive new product development, product optimisation and industrialisation projects while aligning with business objectives, market trends, quality standards and operational capabilities.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the R&D and innovation roadmap in line with business priorities.
• Lead end‑to‑end product development from concept, formulation, pilot trials, scale‑up to commercial launch.
• Drive new product development, product renovation and portfolio optimisation initiatives.
• Monitor consumer trends, ingredient developments, packaging innovations and competitive activity.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, labeling regulations and industry certifications.
• Lead raw material and packaging qualification together with Procurement and Quality teams.
• Support manufacturing in industrialisation, process improvement, yield optimisation and technical problem‑solving.
• Manage R&D budget, project pipeline and resource allocation to maximise business value.
• Build, lead and develop a high‑performing R&D team fostering a culture of innovation.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers, research institutions, laboratories and external partners.

Required profile

• University degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of R&D experience in Food & Beverage or FMCG sector.
• Proven track record managing New Product Development and product industrialisation projects.
• Strong understanding of food processing technologies, formulation, quality systems and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary teams.
• Commercial awareness with ability to translate market needs into innovative product solutions.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Required skills

• New Product Development (NPD)
• Product industrialisation
• Food processing technologies
• Formulation expertise
• Quality systems management
• Regulatory compliance