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- Tasks: Lead the R&D function, designing strategy and managing a team to develop innovative food ingredients.
- Company: Food Impact Partners is a pioneering food-tech start-up focused on sustainable food solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a creative work environment with opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food while working with visionaries in a fun, impactful setting.
- Qualifications: PhD in food science or related field with 10+ years in functional food ingredient development.
- Other info: Join a movement grounded in sustainability and smart innovation.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
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Recruitment Director | Building teams across FoodTech | AgriTech | Biomanufacturing
Are you ready to lead the charge in revolutionising the future of sustainable food ingredients?
Food Impact Partners have exclusively partners with an ambitious food-tech start-up, that is on a mission to unlock the full potential of an ancient grain. They’re developing a suite of clean-label, functional ingredients for tomorrow’s food industry, and they need a hands-on, strategic R&D Director to take the reins.
What’s the gig?
You’ll be the architect of the R&D function from the ground up — designing the strategy, shaping the lab, and hiring your team. This is your chance to blend creativity and science in an environment that values big ideas and real-world impact.
What you\’ll do:
- Lead development of a portfolio of functional ingredients, using your expertise in processing, extraction, and application development.
- Collaborate with equipment vendors and pilot facilities (UK & abroad) to run trials and optimise processes.
- Set up a strong in-house lab, plus manage a network of external experts and academic partners.
- Drive innovation in ingredient extraction, purification, and application testing.
- Hire and mentor a brilliant team (process engineers, scientists, application experts).
- Identify and protect IP — patents, freedom to operate, the whole shebang.
- Balance strategy and execution — from lab decisions to long-term roadmaps.
What you bring:
- A PhD in food science, bioprocessing, chemical engineering or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience developing and launching functional food ingredients (think starches, proteins).
- Strong background in grain processing or plant protein extraction.
- A track record of setting up and running R&D teams and labs.
- Entrepreneurial drive and a collaborative, “let’s-make-it-happen” attitude.
- Bonus points for IP/patent experience and academic partnerships.
Because you’ll be at the forefront of a food-tech movement that’s grounded in sustainability, science, and smart innovation. You’ll shape the future of food, working alongside visionaries — and having fun while you do it.
Sound like your kind of challenge? Please apply.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Research
-
Industries
Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Biotechnology Research
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Director of Research Development employer: Food Impact Partners
Contact Detail:
Food Impact Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Research Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the food-tech and biomanufacturing sectors. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Food Impact Partners thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in setting up R&D teams and labs. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven innovation and managed projects, as this will be crucial for the Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your entrepreneurial spirit by discussing any past initiatives where you took the lead on innovative projects. Highlighting your ability to balance strategy with execution will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Research Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in food science, bioprocessing, and R&D leadership. Emphasise your achievements in developing functional food ingredients and any entrepreneurial projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for sustainable food innovation. Discuss how your background aligns with the role's requirements and express your vision for leading the R&D function at Food Impact Partners.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on specific projects where you have successfully developed and launched food ingredients. Mention any experience with IP protection and academic partnerships, as these are valuable to the role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Demonstrate your ability to build and mentor teams in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully set up R&D labs and led cross-functional collaborations in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Food Impact Partners
✨Showcase Your Expertise
As a candidate for the Director of Research Development, it's crucial to highlight your extensive experience in developing functional food ingredients. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully led R&D initiatives, focusing on your expertise in processing and extraction.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've built and managed R&D teams in the past. Discuss your approach to mentoring and fostering collaboration among team members, as well as how you handle challenges in a lab environment.
✨Emphasise Innovation and Strategy
Food Impact Partners is looking for someone who can blend creativity with scientific rigor. Prepare to talk about innovative ideas you've implemented in previous roles and how you balance strategic planning with hands-on execution in R&D settings.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to grain processing, plant protein extraction, and IP management. Brush up on the latest trends and technologies in these areas, and be ready to discuss how you would apply them in the context of the company's mission.
