Head of Pet Food R&D

The Company is seeking a Head of Pet Food R&D to lead a team and take ownership of the entire development function. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a team of 5, managing new product development from concept to launch, and overseeing the existing portfolio through reformulations and raw material substitutions. This role is pivotal in linking R&D with the factory, QA, and industrial teams, and the ideal candidate will have a background in pet food R&D, product development, or formulation, with hands-on experience in developing pet food products. Experience in working directly with factory, production, and QA teams is essential, and while management experience is a plus, clear leadership potential will also be considered. The Head of Pet Food R&D will be at the forefront of product strategy and portfolio development, with a senior role that offers real influence. The position is based in the South of France and offers a hybrid working model with close links to an on-site manufacturing facility, allowing the successful candidate to see their products go to market. The role is well-suited to an R&D Manager, Senior Formulation Scientist, or Product Development Lead from a pet food or companion animal nutrition business who is ready to take on a bigger remit and full function ownership. The company is an international animal health group with a growing pet food and pet care division, and the role provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a global setting.