Head of Group Recipe and Raw Materials (m/f/d)

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the global strategy for recipe management, raw material management and scale-up across the Group.
• Lead and develop an international team; establish governance structures, standards and clear decision‑making authority across all three functional pillars.
• Manage and optimise the global raw material portfolio – driving harmonisation, standardisation, cost optimisation, supply security and risk mitigation.
• Ensure raw material specifications and supplier documentation meet regulatory requirements and Döhler internal standards throughout their lifecycle.
• Own the end‑to‑end scale‑up process: ensure reliable transfer of formulations from development through pilot plant to full industrial production, including production‑readiness documentation, first‑production supervision and process parameter validation.
• Drive scale‑up efficiency to reduce time‑to‑market, minimise yield losses and accelerate new product industrialisation.
• Oversee recipe and formulation lifecycle management, ensuring consistency, scalability and transparency across all sites.
• Collaborate with R&D, Procurement, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Supply Chain and Operations to drive cross‑functional performance and continuous improvement.
• Lead strategic transformation initiatives and represent the company in discussions with suppliers and external partners.

The Profile

• PhD, MSc or equivalent in Food Technology, Food Science, Food Chemistry, Biotechnology or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of professional and leadership experience in the food, ingredients, flavours or beverage industry.
• Deep expertise in raw materials, formulations, product development and industrial scale‑up processes.
• Proven track record in portfolio optimisation, process transfer and leading strategic transformation.
• Experience managing international, cross‑functional stakeholder groups.
• Strategic and analytical mindset with strong execution capability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Benefits

• Work with passion: we foster a culture where you can act with heart and mind, take pride in your work and inspire others through positivity and commitment.
• Lead with purpose at every level: leadership is defined by taking ownership, driving change and bringing meaning to what you do.
• Grow your way: with flexible development opportunities across departments and a global team, you can broaden your skills, discover new strengths and actively shape your own path.
• Global collaboration: join an international team bringing together multiple cultures, languages and perspectives to spark new ideas and inspiration.
• Shared strength: we build real connections and grow together by sharing knowledge and valuing each other’s strengths to create a culture where trust and team play lead to shared success.

Equal opportunities for all

We welcome applicants, who are just as diverse as we are – regardless of age, ancestry, disability, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, social background or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.