Associate Director R&D EurAsia

About the role

The Associate Director, R&D EurAsia leads the innovation and product development agenda across a portfolio of high-growth emerging markets, including Turkey, Russia, Southern and South Asia and Indonesia. Reporting to the Growth Officer, EurAsia, the role translates business strategy into consumer-focused innovation, product renovation and R&D excellence. It can be based in the Netherlands, Turkey, Russia or Indonesia.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as principal R&D partner to the EurAsia Growth Officer and a core voice on the EurAsia Leadership Team, turning growth, category and channel strategies into product, packaging and technology roadmaps.
• Define the multi-year R&D strategy and Master Plan, covering innovation, renovation, productivity, nutrition, packaging and regulatory priorities.
• Set up portfolio governance, stage-and-gate decisions, resource trade-offs and escalation routines, and challenge low-impact projects.
• Enable Country R&D teams to turn consumer opportunities into scalable solutions, from concept to launch.
• Scale lift-and-launch opportunities, reusable recipes, packaging formats and best practices across Retail and Away From Home.
• Lead the regional direction for better-for-you, clean label and nutritional improvement, and the packaging capability agenda on sustainability, affordability and supply continuity.
• Own the product and pack quality program, set technical standards and risk governance, and simplify end-to-end R&D processes.
• Build regional R&D capabilities and infrastructure, and lead the EurAsia R&D network with clear decision rights and governance.
• Shape the regional R&D investment and resource plan, and build partnerships with suppliers, research centres, universities and innovation networks.
• Develop a diverse, high-performing R&D community and strengthen technical and leadership pipelines.

Required profile

• 15+ years of progressive R&D leadership experience in food, beverage or FMCG, including a regional or multi-country agenda.
• Deep expertise in food product and packaging development, portfolio management, consumer and sensory insight, testing, scale-up and commercialization.
• Experience translating business strategy and consumer needs into innovation pipelines, with business and financial acumen.
• Direct or close exposure to manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, FSQ and quality; matrix leadership experience; emerging-market experience is a strong advantage.
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Engineering or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Fluent English required.