Director RD&T Biogums

(Associate) Director, Research Development and Technology, Biogums
Shanghai and TongXiang, Zhejiang Province

Lead biogums R&D team in Tongxiang, China. Define Technology and R&D strategy related to biogums both strategically and tactically based on customer insights, long-term business opportunities, external benchmarking, and technological developments

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the R&D portfolio as defined through program management according to dsm-firmenich project management standards and be accountable for the overall financials of Tongxiang R&D team
• The biogums technology and R&D strategy, both strategically and tactically based on customer insights, long-term business opportunities and external benchmarking, as well as technological developments to meet current and future market and client needs. Partner with internal customers, R&D functional leadership and team members to ensure deliverables to meet current and future market and customer needs.
• Propose process improvements and research programs based on business strategy, implement strategic projects by close working with Category, Operations, Innovation and Application management, as well as Science & Research. Develop and implement biogum manufacturing process and technology. Lead and initiate process technology improvement or innovation projects.  Plan and implement new product development and trials.
• People management: Lead process, technology, and product development team (team size: 10)
• Report on R&D progress with Product Line MT of Biogums as well as relevant Segment innovation teams.
• Quality, Environment, Safety & Health (QESH) related to Tongxiang R&D team, laboratories and pilot facilities

We Bring

• Empowerment to make meaningful contributions while upholding ethical standards.
• Recognition and celebration of your efforts and accomplishments
• Opportunities for growth and advancement for those who embrace innovation and take initiative
• Customer-first approach, working with world-renowned brands to turn ideas into impactful solutions
• Responsibility and accountability in living company values and driving sustainable solutions
• Supportive environment where individuals are empowered to progress and contribute to meaningful change.

You Bring

• PhD major in Biochemical engineering, Microbiology, Biotechnology or related fields. Minimum 5 years of experience within project management. Minimum 5 years of experience in people management

• Strong technical background and skillset to work in a relatively complex environments.

• Experience in (microbial process) R&D, innovation or operations.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of current GMP, International regulations and requirements, sanitary principles, clean manufacturing standards, and related regulations.

• Excellent communicator with strong business / customer interest. Adaptability to a different culture and demonstrate willingness on cross-team collaboration.

• Strategic thinking, helicopter view, connecting
• Fluent in Mandarin and English.
• Leadership values and behaviors: Customer & External Orientation; Decisiveness; Result Orientation; Planning & Organizing; Persuasiveness; Communication; Teamwork

About Dsm-firmenich
At dsm-firmenich, we don't just meet expectations – we go beyond them.

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it's fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that's better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you're making a difference, we'll make sure you're growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They're essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Inclusion, Belong and equal opportunity statement

At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that's exactly the kind of culture we're building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we're serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we're committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we're here to help – just let us know what you need, and we'll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency statement

We're managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you're applying as an individual, we'd love to hear from you. We're not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.