Research Lead, R&D - E2E Complex Projects, Process

Job description

Execute end-to-end technical delivery across assigned complex processing projects, including technical briefing, concept development, technical design, learning plans, pilot runs, capital design, and commercialization handover to Operations/Supply Chain. Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation including Manufacturing Procedure Specifications, Transformation Flowsheets, and Process Design Scopes, ensuring processing parameters meet defined quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, and manufacturing performance requirements.

Apply processing commercialization tools (CQV, FMEA, CPRA) to systematically identify and mitigate technical risks, drive design decisions, and ensure Right-First-Time launch readiness. Partner with Platform R&D, GDI R&D, Packaging R&D, Quality, Operations, and external suppliers to define processing requirements and success criteria, resolve technical trade-offs, and maintain project timelines and milestones. Lead and support pilot line trials and scale-up activities, translating learnings into robust commercial processing solutions.

Contribute to STAR and Tech Review Board processes, preparing and presenting technical content that clearly communicates design rationale, risk status, and commercialization readiness. Maintain compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements throughout project execution. Support cost optimization and value engineering efforts that improve margin, sustainability, and reinvestment priorities. Serve as an informal technical mentor to junior and experienced processing engineers on the team, sharing applied expertise and supporting capability development.

Deliver successful technical execution across concurrent complex processing projects within innovation and platform portfolios, meeting committed timelines, budgets, and technical performance targets. Contribute to team capability by sharing technical learnings, best practices, and processing expertise across the broader E2E projects organization. BS/MS/PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.

Minimum 11 years of experience in R&D Processing or Engineering roles within consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma, or a similar industry. Demonstrated experience in emulsions / shear processing, fermentation, extrusion, thermal processing & validation, aeration, drying, or powder mixing preferred. Demonstrated hands-on experience executing end-to-end processing development projects, including pilot trials and scale-up to industrial production.

Strong applied knowledge of processing commercialization tools including CQV, FMEA, CPRA, Process Design Scopes, and Transformation Flowsheets. Strong project management skills, with experience maintaining detailed project plans, schedules, and risk logs on multi-stakeholder initiatives. Proficiency with project tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or equivalent), advanced Excel skills; familiarity with ERP systems (SAP).

Strong technical communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex processing data into clear recommendations for cross-functional audiences. Experience with pilot line setup, scale-up, and industrial production launches, including multi-site experience preferred. Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time.