VP Quality, Regulatory and R&D APAC

                             VP Quality, Regulatory and R&D APAC

Reporting to the Chief Science Officer the VP Q&R and R&D within the region will lead the Quality Regulatory and R&D functions providing strategic vision, leadership and decision-making for the development, implementation, maintenance and improvement of key Q&R and R&D programs in strong collaboration with Supply Chain, Commercial and other functions. This individual represents the Quality, Regulatory and R&D function in the Regional Leadership Team ensuring business proximity and collaboration. This role is an integral part of the global with Q&R and R&D leadership Team.  The role will be accountable for the Regional Performance of Q&R and R&D.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Leadership; Translate and cascade business and function needs in strategies for Q&R and R&D with the APAC Regional Leadership Team.
• Defines the regional functional priorities and goals
• Design long term strategies for the region and contribute and influence Global Q&R and R&D strategies
• Allocates human and financial resources

• Supports large Business Unit Projects (capital/acquisition integration), BCP support, Assessing Business/Customer Needs, etc. for the region and with overall Regional Business proximity and customer centricity.
• Represent the Region in appropriate councils and customers (ie. Global Science Council) meetings
• Implements functional strategies into regional business on behalf of the global Q&R and R&D function.
• Provides strategic thought leadership to regional leadership team outside of functional expertise

• Deliver Business Success and Q&R and R&D Excellence in the APAC region business and with our customers – Scorecard/metrics , Performance tracking, Reviews, drive RCA discipline, ensure implementation of transformational programs and site risk reduction

• Influence business partners and closely collaborate with SC in continuously improving our quality operations execution in all regional sites. Play pro-active role to enhance regional Business growth and opportunities.
• Seamless connection between Q&R and R&D within region to deliver quality excellence, food safety,  regulatory compliance by design, innovation and collaboration 
• Drive for operational excellence in quality and food safety with all joint ventures (JV’s) in the APAC-region. Represents McCormick Quality function in JV Board and other meetings where and when relevant.
• Lead Product Development activities to support CCI program and improve effectiveness
• Ensure adherence to Acts/Legal Requirements, Business Ethics and Food Manufacturing Standards, Global, Regional and Local policies, and standards to protect proprietary information
• Create a climate of high performance, supportive encouragement, enthusiasm, integrity, reliability, and leadership and maintain a highly responsive, “customer” focused culture within the Region
• Improve existing business processes by leveraging existing McCormick global and international food industry best practices
• Identify ways in which technology and effective business processes can reduce costs, optimize efficiency and effectiveness, and create a competitive advantage
• Create a technical community to develop best-in-class practices across the zone, and allow transfer of knowledge across functions, while maintaining required confidentiality

• Talent Management; Organize regional Q&R and R&D teams with the right organization and the right talent.

• Lead a team of regional Business Unit leaders (ISEA, China, Australia).
• Lead Talent Reviews, Succession/Progression Planning, Development Plans with SMEs, Performance Management of Direct Reports, Hiring Process Involvement, etc.
• Develop a talent strategy fosters a diverse and inclusive culture that retains, attracts and develops high performing talent.
• Develop a talent strategy fosters a diverse and inclusive culture that retains, attracts and develops high performing talent.

• Drive Customer Intimacy and Growth; Ensure the consumer and customer Q&R and R&D needs are central in strategic plans and conversations. Develop senior customer relationships within the region and with internal stakeholders

• Ensure Q&R and R&D is embedded in short term and long term business plans for the region.

• Escalated Issue Management – Risk Assessments, IRs, BAs, Market Actions, Internal Business Communication and Alignment.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline (Technical Quality/Research & Development or Food Technology Sciences, Food Engineering, Food Science, or Nutrition), Master’s degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience leading functional organizations or large teams and minimum of 5 years of experience in a regional leadership role.
• Proven operational and strategic experience in multi‑cultural, multi‑site organizations with demonstrated track record of strong performance and leadership potential.
• Experience leading product development and technical teams across multiple product categories, including wet and dry applications (seasonings, flavors, sauces). Experience in the Flavor Industry preferred.
• Solid experience in food manufacturing operations, including quality standards and management of key regulatory changes
• Significant senior level experience (VP or Senior Director) in Quality & Regulatory or Product Development and Innovation within the Food & Beverage industry
• Background operating in a hands-on, operational business environment
• Secondary functional experience in either Quality & Regulatory or Research & Development. Preferred experience in customer quality or operations quality or experience in related functions such as Supply Chain or Product Development.
• Proven project management and transformational change management experience, including leadership of large, complex initiatives or programs
• Demonstrated experience managing organizational change, including global customer leadership and progressive Quality, TPM, or JTE leadership frameworks
• Strong understanding of commercial business strategies for growth, with hands‑on experience leading innovation and renovation initiatives
• Solid knowledge of food safety risk management, including chemical, microbiological, and physical hazards, as well as regulatory compliance requirements
• Ability to develop team and organizational strategy based on core strengths and competitive needs
• Strong capability to envision future organizational needs and translate them into actionable strategies
• Proven experience developing short‑, medium‑, and long‑term strategies (1–5 years), including action planning, resource allocation, and alignment of day‑to‑day processes to strategic objectives
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead diverse, inclusive, and high‑performing teams
• Strong influencing skills at senior leadership levels across multiple functions
• Ability to effectively represent the organization with external leadership groups, including customers, regulators, and industry federations
• Skilled negotiator with the ability to achieve optimized outcomes through collaboration, compromise, and mutual benefit
• Maintains high Quality and Regulatory standards while building strong, trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to connect, communicate, and cascade leadership vision and strategy across the organization
• Experience operating in culturally diverse environments and leading teams across multiple geographies
• Ability to travel 25% - 50%.

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McCormick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. If you are a qualified applicant, you 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.​