Director of Research Development

Hartmann Young is partnered with a rapidly growing, international FMCG group with a strong portfolio across confectionery, beverages, and food ingredients, operating across Poland, Germany, the UK and Ireland. The business is currently undergoing active transformation following multiple European acquisitions, with a newly onboarded leadership team driving integration and long-term growth across a multi-brand platform. This creates an opportunity for an R&D Innovation Director to define and lead the innovation, product and technology strategy across multiple business units within a complex, evolving environment. As R&D Innovation Director, you will operate cross-functionally across the organisation, shaping the innovation roadmap while working closely with commercial, technical and international teams to drive scalable, customer-led product development. You will be responsible for: Defining and executing the R&D and innovation strategy across multiple business units Identifying new product opportunities, technologies and innovation pipelines Leading end-to-end product development from concept through to industrialisation Managing the R&D budget and overseeing a diverse project portfolio Building and developing high-performing R&D teams and infrastructure Establishing partnerships with research institutions and external innovation partners Driving cross-functional collaboration across commercial, operations and international teams Supporting integration across multiple sites and markets through aligned innovation strategy Managing risk across R&D programmes and ensuring delivery against strategic objectives We’re looking for a senior R&D leader who can operate effectively in an international, multi-site FMCG environment, with the ability to balance technical depth and commercial impact. You will ideally bring: Proven R&D leadership experience within FMCG or food manufacturing Track record of delivering innovation and new product development in production environments Strong international exposure across multiple markets and cultures Experience operating in complex, evolving or transformation-led environments Ability to work cross-functionally and influence senior stakeholders Fluent English and strong communication skills An agile, entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on, solutions-driven approach Why This Opportunity? This is a high-impact leadership role offering: Strategic ownership of innovation across a multi-brand, international platform Opportunity to shape and structure the R&D function within a transforming business Exposure to cross-European operations and integration projects Flexible location (Germany or Poland) with optional interim or permanent structure

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