Fermentis R&D Technical Manager Brewer M/F

As a global key player in the field of microorganisms and fermentation, Lesaffre designs, manufactures and markets innovative solutions for Baking, Food Taste & Pleasure, Health Care and Biotechnology.

Family group born in northern France in 1853, now a multi-national and a multicultural company, Lesaffre is committed to working with confidence to better nourish and protect the planet.

In close collaboration with its clients and partners, Lesaffre employs 11 000 people in more than 50 countries.

Lesaffre achieves a turnover of 3 billion euros.

Fermentis: business unit of the Lesaffre Group, develops, manufactures and markets fermentation and characterization solutions for the beverage industry; based primarily on yeast, bacteria and enzymes. Fermentis works with everyone in the worlds of beer, wine, spirits and any other beverages. In the scope of its new strategy, it is also active today in the worlds of coffee, cocoa and other specific substrates. Its range of products and services covers almost all professional requirements: from safeguarding production to expressing sensory characteristics. Fermentis by Lesaffre today counts 106 people hosted by 19 Lesaffre group legal entities. The global Corporate HQ site/building with offices, meeting and education center and a fully equipped applied research center is located in Marquette-lez-Lille, North of France.

Reporting to the Global R&D Manager, the Technical Manager Brewer's main responsibilities will be:

• Overseeing and developing the existing beer product range, assessing its market fit and managing the associated budget for characterization, continuity and development. In this capacity, the successful candidate will contribute to drawing up the annual R&D action plan and the overall R&D budget.
• Leading projects involving the development of new fermentation products (yeasts, bacteria, micro-organism blends), as well as yeast derivatives for their nutritional and functional properties. They will manage the budgets for these projects, in coordination with external (universities, research institutes) and internal teams (Corporate R&D, subsidiary R&D).
• Communicating regularly and cross-functionally (with marketing, regulatory, supply chain and other teams) on project progress.
• Writing promotional materials (technical data sheets, presentations, etc.) required to bring new products to market.
• Delivering scientific & technical presentations and publications on behalf of Fermentis within their area of expertise at a global level.
• Representing Fermentis in the technical-scientific community (symposiums, congresses, conferences) and industry associations in the brewing field.
• Building and developing an academic network (research centers, universities, etc.) for partnerships, lobbying and collaborations.
• Providing expertise to commercial technical teams and all Fermentis teams.

• Master's or engineering degree (Bac+5) in food science, microbiology or bioengineering, supplemented by a specialist brewing qualification and/or a PhD.
• At least 15 years of professional experience in a brewing environment (R&D, production, laboratory, quality, etc.), with an international dimension and experience managing key accounts.
• Strong knowledge of brewing fundamentals, innovation processes and R&D project management.
• Background in microbiology and sensory analysis, with commercial and marketing awareness.
• Fluent English is essential; French is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with autonomy, rigor, cultural openness and strong analytical and synthesis abilities.

Position based in France.

Frequent international travel required (approximately 25% of working time).

Position open to people with disabilities.

Hybrid role, partially eligible for remote work.

Join a family-owned company with a rich history, driven by human values and the mission to "Feed and Protect our Planet." Thrive in an enriching work environment and a multicultural setting.

At Lesaffre, diversity is a strength that enriches our culture and our teams. We are committed to providing a fulfilling work environment for everyone, regardless of background, gender, age or ability. We welcome all applications, as we believe that diversity of perspectives strengthens our capacity to innovate and rise to tomorrow's challenges.