Senior Director, Global Product R&D - EMEA

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Overview

Senior Director, Global Product R&D - EMEA
UK - Herbalife Europe Limited / Herbalife U.K. Limited

The Atrium

Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 1HB

United Kingdom

1 Harefield Road

About the role:
We're looking for a strategic and hands-on leader to head our Global Product R&D function in EMEA. As the Senior Director, Global Product R&D - EMEA, you will lead all regional R&D activities and play a key role in shaping our global product development efforts. Reporting directly to the SVP, Global Product R&D, you will ensure that innovation, quality, and operational excellence are consistently delivered across EMEA.

How you would contribute:

• Lead all R&D activities across EMEA, ensuring delivery against innovation, quality, cost, and timeline objectives.
• Oversee global product development efforts within the region, aligning with worldwide strategies and standards.
• Coach and develop a team of regional scientists in R&D and Scientific Affairs to drive technical excellence and collaboration.
• Support Worldwide Operations and contract manufacturing teams to ensure EMEA business objectives are met.
• Manage and optimize R&D processes in the region, ensuring full compliance with global policies.
• Collaborate on project planning and trials with regional contract manufacturers and cross-functional teams (QA, QC, GSS, Supply Chain, etc.).
• Oversee Data Management activities related to tracking and reporting of global project deliverables.
• Represent EMEA within the Global R&D leadership team, sharing best practices and proposing improvements to drive resource efficiency.
• Identify innovation opportunities through engagement with academic institutions, research bodies, and industry partners.
• Travel internationally to support cross-regional collaboration and knowledge sharing.

What you'll bring to the team:

Experience & Background:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in an R&D management role within the food, supplements, or related industry.
• Strong hands-on experience in product and/or nutrition research and development.
• Proven track record of leading teams and delivering complex projects in a global organization.
• Good knowledge of the EMEA nutrition and science landscape (e.g. CROs, academia, regulatory bodies).
• Familiarity with emerging product-related technologies (e.g. smart wearables, data-driven innovation, AI for product development) is a plus.
• PhD in Food Science, Pharmacy, Nutrition, or another relevant natural science discipline.

Skills & Expertise:

• Strong problem-solving ability with the capacity to operate independently in a dynamic, matrixed environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while driving strategic goals.
• Significant experience in project management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency in PLM systems (e.g. Agile) and advanced Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with fluency in English.
• Culturally aware and able to work effectively across diverse teams and geographies.

What we offer:

• An international, science-driven work environment.
• Competitive salary and annual discretionary bonus.
• Flexible hybrid working model (3 days in the office, 2 days from home).
• Attractive benefits including: Private Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, Eye Care Vouchers, Pension Scheme, and access to Herbalife products.
• Car allowance.
• Up to 50% product discount and unlimited shakes in the office kitchen.
• Opportunities for professional growth via LinkedIn Learning, coaching, and tailored development plans.
• Extra days off for volunteering and charity work.
• Free on-site parking (first come, first served).
• A collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving nutrition around the world.

Who we are:

Herbalife is a global company that has been changing people's lives with great nutrition products and a proven business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. With a presence in over 90 countries, we provide high-quality, science-backed products and a community that supports people in achieving healthier, more active lifestyles.

Through our global campaign to end hunger, we also support communities with access to nutrition and education.

Find out more at www.herbalife.com

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