V.P. Biotechnology and Process Engineering

Reporting to the Chief Research Officer, the VP Biotechnology and Process Engineering is co-responsible for proposing and executing the ingredients strategy of the Corporate R&D Division. In order to do this he/she will interact with and understand the objectives and needs of our business partners in the Perfumery and Flavour Divisions and those of the Corporate Compliance Division.
In this capacity he/she will hire, train and develop the personnel required to manage and execute projects/programmes in; microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and process engineering and ensure long-term scientific excellence in these domains, as well as proper IP protection of any ideas and inventions. These strategic programmes will be designed to ensure continued leadership in the field of flavor and fragrance ingredients, together with continuous process improvement that will contribute strongly to the Firmenich sustainability programme and to the company’s economic prosperity. He/she will be a thought leader in sustainable ingredient development and able to effectively project the company strategy to staff, suppliers, partners and clients. In particular, the VP Biotechnology and Process Engineering will advise and influence Firmenich senior management on issues related to environmental performance of ingredients and the processes used to make them.
In order to compliment the internal assets of the company, the entitled will ensure diligent competitive intelligence to be aware/contact all types of relevant scientific entities; universities, institutions, start-up, independent companies. V.P. Biotechnology and Process Engineering will develop and negotiate an external programme of key strategic partnerships in order to further the company’s ambitions in relevant science domains.
The job involves the management of approximately 50 highly-trained scientists, engineers and technicians. The entitled is, together with his subordinates, Director of Biochemistry, Director Process Engineering, responsible for a global team located in Geneva, Newark, USA, and Gujarat, India. The entitled will be responsible for all aspects of the welfare of his/her staff, including most importantly their health and safety.
The VP Biotechnology and Process Engineering will be a standing member of the REX, DREX and Innovation Forum and Environmental Interest Group.

The profile of the ideal candidate is as follows:
Ph.D. in microbiology, molecular biology or biochemistry from a high calibre university/institute.
A seasoned professional with 10+ years of post-doctoral experience in an industrial R&D group involved in microbial strain development for chemical production; ideally with F&F ingredients
Minimum 10 years of experience in deploying strategical initiatives both commercial and technical as well as business plan of products for skincare and cosmetics.
Deep knowledge of customer products and market place, including the US.
Ability proven to maintain successful interactions and effective communication with steering committee, strategic partners in Flavors and Fragrances (F&F) and non-scientist senior executives.
Highly networked into the international biotechnology academic, start-up and mature company networks; particularly in USA and Europe.
A track record of effective management of cross-functional team, including members from R&D, Manufacturing and Regulatory and successful delivery against objectives.
Experience in partnership/ M&A opportunity scouting/negotiation and in securing external funding for R&D
I.P. savvy.
Process scale-up/process engineering experience.

English native, French a plus

Application to : silvia.de.meo@firmenich.com