Head Of Research (Food Science & Technology)

Supporting food manufacturers and retailers with product innovation including: rheology, new product development, value optimisation, instructional development, pilot plant, quality and food safety manufacturing, thermal processing, new technologies, and regulatory affairs.

Campden BRI was founded over 100 years ago, initially set up to support food development and research, fast forward to today and we support over 2,500 member companies in 80 countries.

In order to support our members, the Campden BRI research programme is designed to provide a responsive and applicable range of projects meeting the needs of the industry. These projects are generated in response to our industry needs work, and they are of a size and scope which are rarely achieved by the internal research activities of an individual company.

Our research programme includes projects designed to perform fundamental research, as well as projects looking at implementation of novel technologies and ideas. We also work closely with academic institutions and welcome suggestions for studentships, as well as encouraging undergraduate students to work with us as part of their studies.

You will lead and implement the research strategy for Campden BRI, through identification of science and technology themes relevant to the food and drink industry. Implementation of a framework to enable co-ordination of the research programme, to support growth of new services, development of new skills and training of scientists and technologists at Campden BRI.

• Responsible for the identification of the strategic science and technology topics for the business, through external networking and internal collaboration.
• Responsible for the co-ordination of the research programme across the business to include project scoping, initiation, planning and progress against KPIs and the reporting to members.
  
• Provide support for Scientific and Technical Committee meetings, and support the technical content for Member Interest Groups.

• Degree in relevant science (Chemistry, Microbiology or Food Science & Technology) or technology based subject.
• Higher degree would be an advantage.
• Strong industrial network (in addition a strong academic network would be an advantage).
• Proven commercial experience to ensure the research is relevant to meet the needs of the food and drink industry, ideally gained from working directly in industrial R&D.
• Strong knowledge of the needs of the food and drink industries with the ability to use this to influence and direct the research strategy.
• Outstanding communication skills with a track record in influencing and leading.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and demands.
• Credible, creative, and a passionate knowledge gatherer/ mentor.
  
• Engaging leader with ability to get colleagues thinking creatively.