**Responsibilities include: **

Define and deliver a global convenience product development strategy aligned to commercial growth
Build a consistent, scalable innovation approach across regions to reduce duplication and improve delivery
Lead the long-term innovation roadmap, balancing new product innovation with continuous improvement
Own the end-to-end NPD lifecycle from concept through to launch and commercialisation
Implement and manage stage-gate processes to ensure quality, accountability and timely delivery
Prioritise projects based on commercial value, customer demand and operational feasibility
Partner cross-functionally with Commercial, Supply Chain, Operations and production sites to deliver scalable products
Engage with customers and market stakeholders to translate insights into viable product opportunities
Lead and develop regional product development teams, building capability and technical expertise
Oversee project delivery, timelines and portfolio performance while identifying gaps and growth opportunities

Essential Experience, Qualifications & Skills

Degree (or equivalent qualification) in Food Technology, Food Science or a related discipline.
Extensive experience leading R&D and product development functions within the food industry.
Demonstrated experience delivering new product development within fresh, chilled or frozen food categories.
Strong expertise implementing stage-gate innovation processes and NPD governance frameworks.
Proven ability to lead complex cross-functional innovation programmes across international markets.
Strong project and portfolio management capability with experience overseeing multiple product development initiatives simultaneously.
Experience working closely with commercial teams, customers and production environments to bring products to market.
Leadership experience managing international R&D teams and external development partners.
Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and customer partners.

Desirable Experience, Qualifications & Skills

Experience working with fresh produce or HPP (high pressure pasteurizing) processes.
Experience in frozen fruit, IQF technologies or dried fruit product development.
Exposure to brand management, portfolio strategy or marketing collaboration.
Experience working with retail or foodservice customers in international markets.
Experience leading innovation strategy within global FMCG or food manufacturing organisations
Additional languages including Spanish, French or German would be beneficial.

We value your efforts, and we show it not only with words but also with actions.

You receive an attractive salary, tailored to your education and experience.
You work full-time with flexible hours.
The extensive package of extra-legal benefits includes many vacation days, hospitalization and group insurance, a mobile phone, meal vouchers, and eco vouchers.
You get a versatile job with impact, a lot of independence, and growth opportunities.
You can take home dips, avocado bowls, and many other avocado treats.
Even outside the workplace, the guacsquad is a close-knit and fun group. From the annual team building to jogging in the forests of Wingene, playing padel, or the legendary football tournaments. And of course, the fun lunch breaks.

Global Head of Product Development – Convenience

Key skills