VP, Applied Research & Technology

You may know McCormick as a leader in herbs, spices, seasonings, and condiments – and we’re only getting started. At McCormick, we’re always looking for new people to bring their unique flavor to our team.

McCormick employees – all 14,000 of us across the world – are what makes this company a great place to work.

We are looking to hire a VP, Applied Research & Technology to join the corporate team based at McCormick's global headquarters in Hunt Valley, Maryland. The position is hybrid eligible (50% onsite per month). 

What We Bring To The Table:

The best people deserve the best rewards. In addition to the benefits you’d expect from a global leader (401k, health insurance, paid time off, etc.) we also offer:

• Competitive compensation

• Career growth opportunities

• Flexibility and Support for Diverse Life Stages and Choices

• Wellbeing programs including Physical, Mental and Financial wellness

• Tuition assistance

POSITION OVERVIEW:

This VP, Applied Research & Technology leads the process of directing the strategic roadmaps which directly influence our innovation and product quality for McCormick and Company, Inc. This role sources, protects, and enhances the scientific and technology assets by creating and implementing a cohesive technical strategy congruent with business strategy. This role will have a strong focus on external connection, interacting with academia and industry to bring new technologies, innovation and thought leadership to the Company and assure proper and timely transfer technologies to McCormick R&D product development labs globally. Further, this role sets the strategy and provides executive leadership to the Global Packaging, Global Sensory, and Global Process & Ingredients teams, as well as the Global Analytical Science and Laboratory Governance teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic direction and technical leadership to the Applied Research and Technology groups that is inclusive of ingredient functionality expertise, scientific methodology development, analytical sciences, process and package technology
• Identify and integrate advanced technologies to support the needs of Flavor Solutions and Consumer, while acting as a connector to shared technology between the two business segments in all regions
• Advise and influence McCormick & Company senior leadership and relevant stakeholders to invest in cutting edge, innovative technology to advance the business and develop the technology roadmap aligned to the company’s LTP
• Scout and form select partnerships while also leveraging existing JV’s to enhance technology advances in our core competencies
• Interact regularly with academia and leaders at external food organizations such as FEMA (Flavor Extract Manufacturing Association), GMA (Grocery Manufacturing Association), IFT (Institute of Food Technologists) etc. to manage external research partnerships and identify opportunities to foster innovation
• Assures all technical needs of Global McCormick businesses are met. Responsible for protecting and enhancing Intellectual (science and technology) Assets including Patent Strategy and serves as Chair to the Patent Committee. The role evaluates and assesses business potential of breakthrough technologies such as taste receptors, biotechnology and nanotechnology
• Leads the R&D centers of excellence inclusive of ingredient solutions, process and package applications, sensory and analytical methodology development.
• Develops and coaches direct reports and delivers succession plans for 0-5 years. Mentors transformational & growth talent from various functions.
• Provides business guidance to critical partners in Supply Chain and Commercial teams, including the VP of Food Safety & Regulatory Affairs.
• Accountable for timely and proper technology transfer to PD labs around working closely with the functional Leaders within the regions
• Accountable for making McCormick R&D the recognized leader in Sensory Packaging and Analytical in the global food industry through establishment of presence and influence in various professional and trade forums.
• Lead the value creation in partnership with Global Supply Chain on ingredient and process development
• Drive culture of continuous, technical learning

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• MS, Chemistry, Food Science, Nutrition, or related technical discipline
• Professional Member of IFT, FEMA
• 20 years of technical experience, with at least 15 years in food, flavor, or beverage
• 5-7 years of senior technical leadership experience including managing other technical managers and professionals
• Well recognized among peer companies in professional and trade associations
• Strong influencing skills
• Proven track record of operational excellence
• Ability to build relationships and network both internally and externally
• Strategic thinking
• Strong collaborator and cross functional connector

Base Salary: $220,000-440,000

Base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, experience for this role, and/or internal equity of our current employees as part of any final offer. This position is also eligible to participate in McCormick’s Incentive Bonus (MIB) Plan/ McCormick’s Sales Incentive Bonus (SIB) Plan/ McCormick’s Dividend Program. In addition to a competitive compensation package, permanent employees of McCormick are eligible for our extensive Total Rewards programs that include:

- Comprehensive health plans covering medical, vision, dental, life and disability benefits
- Family-friendly benefits such as paid parental leave, fertility benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and caregiver support
- Retirement and investment programs including 401(k) and profit-sharing plans

McCormick & Company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a general policy, McCormick does not offer employment visa sponsorships upon hire or in the future. 

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