Head of CD&D Foodservice UK

Head of CD&D Foodservice UK

Full-Time No working from home possible
Archer Daniels Midland
Job Description
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Product Development to lead innovation and product strategy across our FDL and Lasavista product ranges within the Foodservice sector. This is a senior leadership role combining technical expertise, team leadership, and strategic vision to drive growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
You will play a critical role in shaping our product portfolio, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering high-impact solutions from concept through to commercialization.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Expertise & Product Development
  • Act as a recognized cross-functional expert in Foodservice.
  • Lead the development of innovative Food & Beverage solutions from concept to production, ensuring quality, safety, efficiency, and timely delivery.
  • Maintain strong technical expertise in product processing, ingredients, and ingredient interactions, continuously building knowledge.
  • Oversee recipe and raw material management to ensure consistent quality standards.
  • Drive standardization and strategic expansion of the product portfolio.
  • Independently manage innovation and product adaptation projects, including documentation and evaluation.

Project & Portfolio Management
  • Lead and manage complex project work across multiple initiatives.
  • Oversee development programs, customer projects, and technical teams to achieve business and portfolio objectives.
  • Prioritize and coordinate tasks effectively to meet high-impact deadlines.
  • Establish clear ways of working within CD&D Foodservice to accelerate development, product transfers, and delivery.

Leadership & Team Management
  • Lead and develop the UK CD&D Foodservice team.
  • Provide professional leadership across cross-functional teams and projects.
  • Inspire, motivate, and guide teams to deliver high performance.
  • Act as a technical advisor to colleagues and customers.
  • Promote knowledge sharing across teams and functions.

Strategic Development & Business Growth
  • Define and execute strategies for product category growth.
  • Partner with the Foodservice Leadership Team to expand customer relationships.
  • Drive cross-business collaboration to enhance innovation and synergies.

Collaboration & Interfaces
  • Serve as the key technical contact for internal stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with external co-manufacturers and internal production sites.
  • Ensure strong communication and alignment across all project stakeholders.
Your Profile
  • Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Significant experience within the Foodservice industry.
  • Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and complex projects.
  • Strong experience in innovation and project management.
  • Deep technical expertise in food product development.
  • Demonstrated leadership capability, including non-disciplinary team leadership.
  • High level of initiative, resilience, and problem-solving ability.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Strong business acumen with a results-oriented mindset.
  • Ability to quickly adapt to new areas, processes, and challenges.
  • Advanced PC and digital working skills.
  • Passion for innovation and emerging trends in Food & Beverage.
Willingness to travel as required.
Why Join Us?
At ADM, you will be part of a global leader in nutrition and innovation, working in a collaborative environment where your ideas shape the future of Foodservice. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on product strategy, customer success, and business growth.
About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.
#IncludingYou
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.
For more information regarding our efforts to advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, please visit our website here: Culture, Engagement & Inclusion | ADM.
Archer Daniels Midland

Contact Details:

Archer Daniels Midland Recruitment Team