The Director, Global Research & Development leads the execution of APC's global R&D strategy, driving innovation in products and processes that support business growth, operational efficiency, and customer value. This role is responsible for managing the global R&D project portfolio, strengthening technical capabilities, and partnering cross-functionally to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions. The Director also develops technical talent, advances scientific knowledge, and ensures R&D activities align with business objectives, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
Key ACCOUNTABILITIESR&D Strategy & Portfolio Execution- Execute the global R&D strategy in alignment with business priorities and growth objectives.
- Translate strategic priorities into a clear R&D roadmap and project portfolio.
- Prioritize and manage projects to ensure delivery against timelines, budgets, and expected outcomes.
- Provide insight and recommendations to senior leadership regarding innovation opportunities, technical risks, and future research priorities.
- Ensure R&D resources are aligned to support business needs and strategic initiatives.
Product & Process Innovation- Lead development of new products, applications, and technologies.
- Drive continuous improvement of existing products and manufacturing processes.
- Oversee experimental design, validation, and scale-up activities from laboratory through commercial implementation.
- Collaborate with manufacturing teams to improve quality, efficiency, and product performance.
- Ensure innovation efforts are scientifically sound, commercially viable, and aligned with customer requirements.
Technical Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration- Serve as a key technical advisor to Production, Quality, Regulatory, Commercial, and Supply Chain teams.
- Provide expertise in resolving complex technical, operational, and customer-related challenges.
- Support customer interactions through technical presentations, demonstrations, training, and problem-solving activities.
- Partner with global business leaders to align technical initiatives with operational priorities.
- Promote knowledge sharing and collaboration across APC's global operations.
Compliance, Quality & Regulatory Leadership- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, quality, safety, and documentation requirements.
- Maintain integrity, traceability, and proper retention of scientific data and technical records.
- Support compliance with ISO and other applicable management systems.
- Monitor relevant scientific, regulatory, and industry developments that may impact APC products or operations.
- Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to mitigate compliance risks and support continuous improvement.
Financial & Operational Management- Develop and manage the R&D budget.
- Monitor project expenditures and resource allocation to maximize return on investment.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and optimize laboratory and R&D operations.
- Lead pursuit of grants, research funding, strategic partnerships, and external collaborations.
- Ensure appropriate laboratory infrastructure, equipment, systems, and resources are available to support business objectives.
Team Leadership & Development- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing global R&D team.
- Establish clear expectations, accountability, and development plans for team members.
- Coach and develop team members to strengthen technical expertise and leadership capability.
- Support succession planning and talent development initiatives.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous learning, and scientific excellence.
External Engagement & Thought Leadership- Represent APC in industry forums, conferences, and technical engagements.
- Build relationships with external research partners, universities, and industry networks.
- Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive developments.
- Promote APC's scientific capabilities and technical reputation within the marketplace.
SCOPE & IMPACT- Leads global research and development activities supporting APC's innovation and growth objectives.
- Oversees the R&D project portfolio, laboratory capabilities, and technical talent across supported regions.
- Influences product development, process improvement, customer solutions, and business performance.
- Partners extensively with Production, Quality, Commercial, Regulatory, and Supply Chain teams.
- Represents APC in external scientific, industry, and research collaborations.
- Directly impacts product differentiation, operational efficiency, technical credibility, and long-term business growth.
QUALIFICATIONSEducation- Ph.D. preferred in Animal Science, Biology, Chemistry, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Food Science, Pharmacy, or a related scientific discipline preferred.
- Master's degree in a related scientific discipline with significant industry leadership experience will also be considered.
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
Experience- 8+ years of progressive experience within research and development, technical services, product development, or related scientific disciplines.
- 3+ years of leadership experience managing technical or scientific teams.
- Experience in food, feed, agri-food, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or related industries preferred.
- Experience leading complex R&D programs from concept through commercialization.
- Demonstrated success working cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Regulatory, and Commercial teams.
- Experience supporting global operations and collaborating across multiple geographies preferred.
- Experience managing technical budgets, research portfolios, and resource planning strongly preferred.
Additional Qualifications- Working proficiency in English, including the ability to communicate effectively in meetings, presentations, technical discussions, and written reports. Proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese desirable.
- Training or experience with quality management systems, including ISO 9001, HACCP, or comparable quality frameworks.
- Experience in identifying and managing grants and funding programs for R&D and industrial investment projects.
KEY CAPABILITIES- Strategic Thinking: Aligns scientific and technical initiatives with business goals and future growth opportunities.
- Scientific & Technical Expertise: Applies strong scientific knowledge to solve complex challenges and advance innovation.
- Execution & Results Orientation: Drives projects to completion while balancing timelines, quality, cost, and business priorities.
- Global Regulatory & Trade Awareness: Understands the regulatory, import/export, and international business considerations that influence product development, commercialization, customer requirements, and global operations.
- Collaboration & Influence: Builds strong partnerships across functions, geographies, customers, and external stakeholders.
- People Leadership: Develops engaged, capable teams and fosters a culture of accountability and continuous learning.
- Financial Acumen: Manages budgets, resources, and investments responsibly to maximize business value.
- Communication & Executive Presence: Communicates complex scientific and technical concepts effectively to a variety of audiences, including customers, business leaders, industry groups, and scientific organizations. Demonstrates strong presentation, facilitation, and public speaking skills in both internal and external settings.
- Continuous Improvement: Identifies opportunities to improve products, processes, systems, and organizational effectiveness.
COGNITIVE & DECISION-MAKING REQUIREMENTSThis role requires the ability to evaluate complex scientific, technical, operational, and commercial information and make sound decisions that support business objectives and innovation outcomes.
The role includes:
- Evaluating research data, experimental results, and technical findings to guide product and process development.
- Balancing competing priorities across multiple projects, business needs, and resource constraints.
- Assessing technical, regulatory, quality, and commercial risks associated with innovation initiatives.
- Translating complex scientific concepts into practical business recommendations.
- Leading teams through ambiguity, changing priorities, and evolving business requirements.
- Exercising sound judgment on matters that can impact product performance, operational effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction.
- Identifying opportunities for innovation, continuous improvement, and long-term business growth.
Occupational Risk Prevention, Environment, and Energy Efficiency- Research activities related to new products, adaptation of existing products, and development of industrial processes.
- Risk Assessment: R&D Laboratory Operator.
- Display screen equipment.
- Burn risk.
- Glass cut risk.
- Forklift operation.
- Biological risk.
- Noise.
- Entrapment risk.
- Basic knowledge of ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 acquired through annual company training.
Workplace: Laboratory and external activities (customer visits, trade fairs, conferences, etc.).
Note:"This is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities and requirements associated with this position; it is intended to accurately represent the current role."
