Director, Global Research and Development - APC

Director, Global Research & Development

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.