VP Research Product Development & Innovation

Since 1750, Finlays has served as the industry’s trusted leader in the supply of tea, coffee, and botanicals extracts to the world’s beverage brand owners. Through engaged employees and a continuous improvement mindset, Finlays has grown this legacy in the North and South American regions. Finlays Americas delivers safe and consistent “fit for purpose” quality products and services, meeting regulatory requirements and customer expectations by being an integrated, customer-centric solution provider.

Description

This senior leadership role is pivotal in overseeing the research, development, and design of new products and enhancements, significantly impacting the organization’s success. The Vice President of Research, Product Development, and Innovation will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and collaborate with the Finlays leadership team and business units to set strategic direction. This role will lead the research, development, and product innovation teams, driving activities essential for accelerating company growth through the creation and commercialization of new products and revenue generation across the organization. The position entails leading and developing team members, enhancing their contributions to the organization, and managing the efforts of the Analytical, R&D, and Product Innovation teams to achieve business goals for assigned categories and the overall company.

Essential Duties

• Establish and Oversee Innovation Center: Strategically establish and manage a new R&D Customer Innovation Center for North America, including site selection, construction oversight, and operational capabilities.
• Develop Innovation Strategy: Lead the development of Finlays’ Innovation and Research Strategy to create a robust pipeline of product offerings that align with the company’s growth objectives in collaboration with business units.
• Implement Governance Framework: Develop and implement a governance framework for project management within the Research and Development, Analytical, and Processing Research and Innovation teams.
• KPI Management: Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) with business leads, guiding the team to evaluate and accelerate business opportunities based on insights and results.
• Product Development Leadership: Lead teams in partnership with business unit leadership to develop and deliver new products that meet food safety, quality standards, and cost metrics.
• Technical Leadership: Serve as a strategic technical leader with deep customer knowledge of product requirements, collaborating cross-functionally to drive the growth pipeline.
• Balance Technical and Commercial Functions: Manage the balance between technical and commercial functions to ensure data-driven decisions and the appropriate use of scientific tools in development programs.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage departmental budgets in collaboration with department heads.
• Commercialization Planning: Drive cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive commercialization plans, outlining key milestones, resource requirements, budget allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Finlays leadership, sales, food safety, and supply chain teams to align product development timelines and marketing strategies. Will collaborate closely with the Process Optimization Director to enhance processes and efficiencies within the business unit.
• Identify Growth Opportunities: Leverage category understanding and emerging technologies to identify portfolio growth opportunities, packaging sustainability, and value engineering opportunities.
• Execute Product and Package Changes: Oversee the execution of product and package changes for cost savings, supply chain issue mitigation, regulatory compliance, and achieving environmental, social, and corporate governance goals.
• Market Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify emerging technologies and trends for product development.
• Foster Continuous Learning: Encourage and facilitate continuous learning, exploration, and innovation of new ingredients, processes, techniques, and more.
• Champion Organizational Values: Champion Finlays’ purpose and values, develop team capabilities and processes, and partner across the organization to deliver dependent projects.
  
  

Requirements

• Extensive R&D Experience: Over 15 years of experience in research and development, demonstrating a proven track record in driving successful product development initiatives.
• Advanced Education: Master’s degree in a relevant field, ensuring a strong academic foundation.
• Industry-Specific Expertise: Proven experience in establishing R&D customer innovation centers within the food and beverage industry.
• Manufacturing Proficiency: Significant experience in high-volume manufacturing environments, particularly within the food and beverage sector.
• Product Commercialization: Demonstrated success in product commercialization, with a history of launching new products and achieving business growth.
• Leadership Excellence: Strong leadership capabilities, with a talent for inspiring and motivating diverse teams of leaders, researchers, scientists, and innovators.
• Research Acumen: Deep knowledge of research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and experimental design.
• Project Management Mastery: Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, manage multiple projects concurrently, and deliver projects within budget.
• Analytical Prowess: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to convert research findings into strategic insights.
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and present complex information to stakeholders.
• Strategic Vision: Entrepreneurial mindset with a strategic approach to identifying and capitalizing on market opportunities.
• Innovative Thinking: Willingness to challenge conventional practices and norms to optimize resources and drive success.
  
  

Finlays Americas is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment . All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship