director, R&D, Food(J101758)

Main Purpose and Job Scope

This role drives Starbucks China food business growth by leading the Food Product Innovation Team to define, develop, and scale end-to-end food product innovation aligned with corporate strategic priorities. As the core driver of food innovation.Tthis role will oversee cross-functional alignment across R&D, category, supply chain, QA&RA, operation , and pioneer innovative product concepts and business models to solidify brand’s competitive edge in the F&B landscape.

Key Accountabilities

Responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following

Leadership & Cultural Alignment

◆ Define and communicate a clear, stratigic vision for the food innovation team, fostering a culture of customer-centric innovation and cross-functional collaboration that embodies Starbucks’ partner and customers.

◆ Model Starbucks’ core values and operational excellence in daily management, setting high standards for teamwork, accountability, and innovation mindset to drive the team to deliver breakthrough food product results.

Planning and Execution - Developing strategic and operational plans for the work group, managing execution, and measuring results:

◆ Assist in the development of long-term strategies and plans.

◆ Contribute to strategic planning process for business unit/department(s).

◆ Contribute to the development of the annual operating plan and budget, and quarterly forecast updates.

◆ Develop annual operating plan and budget, and quarterly forecast updates.

◆ Establish priority and resource requirements for department projects.

◆ Plan and manage business unit and department processes and practices to ensure that programs are aligned with company business goals and objectives.

◆ Prepare, communicate and educate client groups and team on changes in policies and practices within the organization.

◆ Track all Food Category project initiatives from initiation through completion and maintenance.

Business Requirements - Providing functional expertise and executing functional responsibilities

◆ Develop Starbucks business systems and processes for Product Innovation.
◆ Develops product-related profit improvement projects (PIP)
◆ Ensure alignment and coordination of new product efforts between Starbucks and supplier or other supplier companies.
◆ Generate creative, new ideas.
◆ Maintain key industry contacts through memberships, associations, and networking.
◆ Track project status to completion.
Partner Development & Team Building - Providing partners with coaching, feedback, and developmental opportunities and building effective teams:
◆ Challenge and inspires partners to achieve business results.
◆ Conduct and ensures the completion of performance reviews.
◆ Ensure partners adhere to legal and operational compliance requirements.
◆ Oversee training and development of partners directly and indirectly managed and makes effective staffing decisions.
◆ Provide coaching, direction and leadership support to team members in order to achieve partner, business and customer results.

Summary of Experience

• ◆ Food product commercialization +8 years
• ◆ Food product development +8 years
• ◆ Line leadership, motivation and management +5 years
• ◆ Broad experience with business teams +5 years
• ◆ Progressive experience managing varied aspects of food and development +8

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• ◆ Is recognized as a food expert in the Food and Beverage Industry
• ◆ Ability to apply sound business principles and practices to project management and change management processes

Job Scope

• ◆ Annual Managed Expenses <$1 M
• ◆ Direct Reports 5-10

Education

• ◆ BS degree in Food Science or Chemical Engineering
• ◆ Leadership Competencies