About Kerry
Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.
About the role
We are recruiting for a Director Upstream Innovation and Data Science. This role encompasses the upstream innovation development for The Proactive Health (PAH) Division at Kerry. The role will require a deep reliance on data-science and machine learning to develop data-driven solutions, from nearly endless options in microorganisms or other biological solutions, to solving specific health conditions that the division aims to solve.
This person will work in parallel and support the PAH Health Platforms as the targeted need-states will originate in these Health Platform teams while the solution will often be heavily dependent on this person and his/her team.
This position will report to the VP of R&D for Pro Active Health & Food Protection & Preservation. Over time, it will oversee the clinical trials, data science, and c-Letca teams in Germany, working collaboratively to build a strong team that supports divisional growth.
While our preference is for the successful candidate to be based at our Global Technology and Innovation Centre in Naas, Ireland, we remain flexible regarding candidate location.
Key responsibilities
- Accountable for the innovation pipeline sufficiency, as per PAH strat plan commitments, as of year 2+
- Accountable for developing data-driven methodology using insilico modelling and other techniques for finding lead-target matches for need-states in focus.
- Responsibility for de-risking clinical trials by using predictive modelling to optimize the trials and outcomes.
- Accountable for leading the data-science team (to be hired by this person in time) and the PAH clinical trials team which will also grow in time. Dotted-line leadership over the c-Lecta team in Germany given their pivotal role in enabling this role to succeed.
- Accountable to de-risking the innovation pipeline via hedging techniques ensuring multiple outcomes are made possible dependent on clinical trial outcomes
- Responsible for partnering with strain bank libraries other CROs/universities to widen the technology pool in an effort to find lead-target matches
- Responsibility for in-licensing technology providers (strain providers, product providers, technology providers) where necessary
- Will be a member of the PAH leadership team and a member of the PAH R&D Leadership team.
Qualifications and skills
- PHD or post-secondary degree in microbiology, biology, or computer science
- Experience in R&D and upstream innovation in the microbiome field
- Experience in leading data-science teams and using a data-driven method to building innovation pipelines
- Experience with R&D and technical teams on a global basis
- Experience in leading clinical trials in the microbiome field.
- Strong leadership and motivational skills with results in growing a team to achieve target
- Proven track record in launching innovation that delivers results
- Strong ability to make science compelling and understandable for commercial (i.e. internal) or customer teams.
- Strong track record in priority setting for teams and self on a global basis
- Excellent project management skills with an ability to make decisions
- Demonstrate high flexibility and adaptability to be successful in a changing environment.
Benefits
At Kerry, we believe in creating an inclusive and flexible work environment that empowers our employees across Europe. Why work for us?
- Agile Work Arrangements: We understand that work-life balance is essential. Whether it’s remote work options, agile working, on-site role or hybrid working model, we support our employees’ diverse needs.
- Professional Development: We invest in your growth. Take advantage of training, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Kerry celebrates diversity. We foster an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included, regardless of background, ethnicity, or gender.
- Global Mobility: With offices across Europe and the globe, we encourage cross-cultural experiences. Explore new horizons through international assignments or transfers within our global network.
- Competitive Compensation: Your hard work deserves recognition. Attracting and retaining top talent is essential for our success. That’s why we are committed to offering competitive salaries that reflect the value our employees bring to the organization. We regularly benchmark our compensation packages against industry standards and ensure that our employees are rewarded fairly for their skills, experience and contributions.
Join Kerry and be part of a company that values your uniqueness and supports your growth. Together, we’ll shape a brighter future!
