Head of R&D OptiCept Technologies

Game-changing technologies. For a sustainable world.
Innovative solutions for Food & Plant Industries

Join our team!
Do you want to make our world more sustainable? Do you want to join an exciting journey in an international environment? Do you like technology and challenges? Do you want to work in a company with lots of personal responsibility and fast decisions in the Food and
Plant tech industry? 

Growth and sustainability - all at once.

With our game-changing technology, we enable forward-leaning companies all around the globe to be as efficient as possible all while ensuring a sustainable, eco-friendly, and low-carbon footprint treatment. Oh – and you’ll never have to compromise quality over quantity again. The food and plant tech of the future is here now!

About us
OptiCept Technologies has developed unique methods and technologies to reduce waste in industries like olive oil, juice, flowers, and plants. Head office is in Lund and have additional offices in Athens, Milan, and Shanghai.  

Products
Our technology and machinery for the food and plant industry make a real impact both in terms of sustainability, quality, and efficiency. Our unique method and machines are for treating postharvest products like cut flowers and cuttings as well as food products like fruits and vegetables. Discover our products tailored for various commodities.

That's pretty cool !


Head of R&D 
 
We are seeking a business-minded Head of R&D Operations, that will be responsible for the management of functional, operational, and strategical activities at the OptiCept
 
The Head of R&D is effectively leading the operations along with other functions at OptiCept to deliver the portfolio and to complete in a timely, accurate, and cost-effective way.
 
Develop staff and incorporate leading capabilities and technologies in daily operations to bring the highest quality of products to market in an efficient, safe, and environmentally sound manner.
Work closely with commercial heads to ensure operational alignment with key business needs such as on-site customer events and engagement.
Proficiently manage budget, capital improvements, compliance, and quality
 
This role will require strong leadership, management, technical skills, critical problem-solving skill, and the ability to collaborate with multi-international teams.
You will lead passionate, highly engaged CTO and cross-functional teams and develop expertise in our portfolio.
 
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
 
Lead and design, coordinate and execute experiments from benchtop to full-scale manufacturing, including consumer testing; analyze experimental data and extract learning
 
Build and leverage internal and external networks (i.e. manufacturing facilities, suppliers) to support and execute work
 
Provide broad support to a specific project, and also support benchtop efforts for pipeline projects
 
Connect and collaborate within cross functions and business
 
Responsible for creating product formulations, specifications, and documentation
 
Lead plant trials and start-up in manufacturing environments
 
Development, procurement, management, and shipment of materials
 
Accountabilities
 
Work in a team-based environment to effectively manage and deliver capabilities that allow delivery against commercial portfolio targets
 
Resources
 
Two teams and operational budget: Plan, execute, and deliver work-slate to defined Development standards, within the allocated budget
Ensure/propose investment in capabilities and infrastructure in alignment with Development strategy and capital processes
Define resource availability, align resources and work plans according to strategic priorities, and assure that demand and resources are well balances
Develop and continuously update Key Performance Indicators for all operational tasks conducted at OptiCept
 
Operations
 
Ensure proper implementation and timely execution of operations
Own and optimize delivery  (quality, quantity, and timeliness)
Lead Quality Management and Continuous Improvement
Ensure delivery according to plan for all crop activities
 
Knowledge, experience & capabilities
 
Degree in agronomy, horticulture, or biology with a good understanding of agriculture/horticulture, crop management, and breeding principles; post-graduate qualification preferred
Thorough understanding of development processes and sufficient knowledge to identify critical issues and engage effectively with people to solve problems
Sound understanding of commercial and business needs
Sound understating of agronomy, plant breeding, logistics, operations, automation, seed physiology, modeling, and planning tools.
Knowledge of activity-based costing and basic accounting principles
Working experience with Lean ways of working; Six Sigma-Kaizen, or Agile methodology.
 
Operate in a team setting. Successfully function both as a manager and a mentor
5 + years of experience in the food or greenhouse industry
Experience in agronomy/horticulture and/or frozen food production, plant breeding and/or field research
Experience working knowledge Development and or greenhouse/frozen food production workflows and operations
 
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the E.U.
 
Please apply through the link here. The selection is ongoing. The last day to apply is 21 November.
 
Unfortunately, we are unable to receive your applications via email due to GDPR.
 
If you have any questions, you are warmly welcomed to contact our partner in this recruitment. Carl-Rafael Fredson, Green Search & Selection AB +46 703 817080 crfr@greensearch.se