VP Taste Innovation

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

The VP Taste Innovation will lead the Global Taste Innovation program to create new and innovative Taste technologies including differentiating raw materials, processes and delivery systems. This is to support the creation by our flavourists and/or scientists of unique taste solutions that respectively support our EUM value proposition and help our systems business to differentiate Kerry in the Market.  There is a strong need for creativity and science in the role and person; not only a passion for exploring new ideas, and concepts but a discipline to deliver and execute.

Key responsibilities

• Set the innovation pipeline (1-5 years) ensuring Kerry Taste Technologies (differentiating raw materials, processes, delivery systems) are set up to enable the EUM strategies. To ensure this through engagement with EUMs across the regions 
• Creates Taste technologies (differentiating raw materials, processes, delivery systems) to support the creation (by our flavourists and/or scientists) of unique taste solutions to respectively support our EUM value proposition and help our systems business to differentiate
• Subject matter expert in taste technologies understanding future focused market trends and a focus on 1-5 year market innovation for Developed and Developing Markets
• Own continuous improvement of the technologies, driving process improvement of technologies
• Driving performance by developing, recommending and executing new innovative technology that supports customer differentiation and increased margin by leveraging the breadth and depth of our expertise to build value for our EUMs across regions and ensure the product offering is equipped to stay ahead of competition
• Own, lead and track performance of new technologies globally across each focus sub-technology, working with global taste technical lead to understand areas for improvement
• Ensure key differentiating raw materials, processes, new technologies and delivery systems are utilized by Taste teams across all regions
• Understand taste and flavours trends globally as well as variances across the regional market
• Lead interaction with the external scientific community related to Taste
• Lead external exploration of new technology ideas that are aligned to market and consumer trends. Lead activity to funnel and select the right key projects.

Qualifications and skills

• Relevant Bachelor's Degree in food science / business or a related discipline.  Higher degree is desirable. 
• Significant and progressive experience in senior leadership within the food / taste industry
• Extensive experience and knowledge of the Food and Beverage industry, desirable if experience is within a Flavour house and deep exposure to Taste technologies. 
• Experience of working with and through people in a global / regional leadership team within a matrixed organization
• This role is based in the Republic of Ireland with regular European & Global travel. 

Why Kerry?

This role is not just about Taste Innovation —it's about shaping the future of our Taste offering and driving business success through strategic leadership and innovation. You’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on our business and play a critical role in driving sustainable growth. If you're passionate about taste innovation and technology and leading transformational change, we want to hear from you.
 

In Kerry we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles, and experiences. One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally.
 

Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on the skills and competencies of the specific roles and based entirely on merit.  We are committed to and value Diversity and Inclusion in all recruitment processes within Kerry and do not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic