R&D Technical Project Lead

Drive Innovation. Lead cross-functional teams. Shape the future

Are you a technical leader with a passion for innovation and cross-functional collaboration? As our R&D Technical Project Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in transforming business goals into cutting-edge product innovations. You’ll bridge the gap between R&D, Supply chain, and Marketing, ensuring seamless execution from concept to market launch.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

Suntory is a fast-moving, agile, and entrepreneurial business that is home to some of the nation’s most loved brands. The Suntory Group is one of the largest soft drinks companies and among the world’s leading consumer products companies. We offer a uniquely diverse portfolio of beverages enjoyed by millions across the globe.

YOUR ROLE

• Turn strategy into action – translate business priorities into clear technical roadmaps that drive innovation.
• Lead cross-functional teams – be that central link ensuring alignment and collaboration.
• Bring products to life – assess feasibility, overcome technical challenges, and ensure compelling go-to-market strategy.
• Manage new and existing SKU setups – ensuring smooth transitions from ideation to launch.
• Deliver impactful launches – ensure every project meets key success metrics.
• Engage stakeholders, coordinate project development, and manage budgets.
• Conduct Gemba activities, develop product concepts, and oversee technical decisions.
• Establish quality metrics, lead technical documentation, and coordinate external stakeholders.
• Monitor projects post-launch and optimize based on feedback.
• Contribute to process improvements and use SBFE tools effectively.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Stakeholder management & experience of leading through others.
• Experience of managing launches end-to-end, simultaneously.
• Experience working with functions across the full value chain.
• Proactive, autonomous, and flexible.
• Consumer Centric (GEMBA centric).
• Strong project management and time management skills.
• Solid technical knowledge (product/pack, process).
• Analytical .
• Excellent communication and people skills .
• English and language of BU.
• Driver’s license as travel required to our Coleford site.

WHAT I NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• Scientific or engineering degree, preferably a University degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biology, or Nutrition.
• Demonstrated experience (minimum 2-3 years) in Food & Beverage product/packaging development and industrialization, preferably beverages.
• Experience in quality, supply chain, and packaging is a plus.
• Experience of working with commercial and operations colleagues.
• Track record of leading through influence.

YOUR FUTURE WITH US

Joining Suntory isn’t just about taking on a role; it’s about embarking on a career journey. You have the opportunity to work with talented, inspiring, and authentic leaders and have the freedom to dream big and go for it (Yatte Minahare). At Suntory, you’ll find a supportive work environment that values work-life balance and that will help you realize your full potential and grow for good. Our People and Culture team genuinely care about creating a great experience for our employees, and we would love you to be part of it.

OUR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COMMITMENT

At Suntory, we greatly appreciate the value that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds can bring. Our colleagues from a wide range of cultures, lifestyles, and experiences contribute significantly to our collective success. We understand that our candidates all have unique career trajectories and experiences, and this can sometimes deter you from applying for a role if you don’t feel that you meet all the criteria. If you believe that you have relevant skills and experience that you feel could benefit us, we would love to know what unique perspectives and experience you can bring to help make us better, together in a company that is committed to Growing for Good and Giving Back to Society.

Our recruitment, selection, and assessment process is based on the skills and competencies of the above role. We are committed to and value diversity, equity, and inclusion in our recruitment process and do not discriminate based on gender, race or ethnic background, class, economic status, disability status, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, marital status, or any other protected characteristic. We want to ensure that our interview process is as inclusive as possible. If you require any reasonable accommodation as part of the process, do not hesitate to let your recruiter know who will be happy to help.

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