About this role
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 ACCOUNTABILITIES
R&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.
QUALIFICATIONS Education
• 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 REQUIREMENTS This 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.”