Global Head of Research and Development - Remote Opportunity

About the Role

We are seeking a Global Head of Research and Development to join our team at Westfalia Fruit. This is a unique opportunity to lead innovation in the food industry, specifically focusing on avocado and fresh produce products. As the Global Head of R&D, you will play a crucial role in shaping our global innovation strategy and product development agenda. This position is fully remote, allowing you to work from anywhere while making a significant impact on our organization.

What You'll Do

• Define and deliver Westfalia’s global convenience R&D and innovation strategy aligned to commercial growth and margin objectives.
• Establish a standardized global innovation governance framework to remove fragmentation and duplication across regions.
• Lead the long-term innovation roadmap, balancing disruptive innovation with short-term product improvements and line extensions.
• Drive innovation across Westfalia’s key categories including avocado products, guacamole, mango, frozen fruit, oils, and dried fruit.
• Own the global end-to-end NPD portfolio, overseeing development from concept through to commercial launch.
• Implement and manage a robust stage-gate development process to ensure quality, accountability, and consistency.
• Prioritize development initiatives based on commercial value, customer demand, and operational feasibility.
• Ensure innovation projects are delivered on time, on budget, and ready for successful market launch.

Requirements

• Degree (or equivalent qualification) in Food Technology, Food Science, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience leading R&D and product development functions within the food industry.
• Demonstrated experience delivering new product development within fresh, chilled, or frozen food categories.
• Strong expertise implementing stage-gate innovation processes and NPD governance frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead complex cross-functional innovation programs across international markets.
• Strong project and portfolio management capability with experience overseeing multiple product development initiatives simultaneously.
• Leadership experience managing international R&D teams and external development partners.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and customer partners.

Nice to Have

• Experience working with fresh produce or HPP (high pressure pasteurizing) processes.
• Experience in frozen fruit, IQF technologies, or dried fruit product development.
• Exposure to brand management, portfolio strategy, or marketing collaboration.
• Experience working with retail or foodservice customers in international markets.
• Additional languages including Spanish, French, or German would be beneficial.

What We Offer

• Attractive salary tailored to your education and experience.
• Full-time position with flexible hours.
• Extensive package of extra-legal benefits including vacation days, hospitalization and group insurance, mobile phone, meal vouchers, and eco vouchers.
• Versatile job with impact, independence, and growth opportunities.
• Fun team culture with activities like team building, jogging, and football tournaments.