R&D Lean Manager (m/f/d) bei Arethia in Reinbek

Arbeitsbeschreibung - R&D Lean Manager (m/f/d)

Role description

We are seeking a results-driven and innovation-focused R&D Lean Manager to lead continuous improvement initiatives within our R&D organization. You will integrate lean principles into R&D workflows to enhance efficiency, accelerate innovation, reduce waste, and improve cross-functional collaboration. This role is critical in driving operational excellence and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, customer-centric flavour solutions.

Your Mission

Lean Strategy & Implementation: Develop and lead the implementation of lean methodologies (e.g., value stream mapping, 5S, A3 problem solving, Kaizen) across the R&D department to optimize workflows, reduce cycle times, and streamline product development.
Process Documentation & Improvement: Lead the documentation and training of all R&D process in our SOPs and WayofWorkings and identify, analyze, and execute improvement initiatives in flavour formulation, application, and sample management.
KPI-Management: Establish performance metrics for R&D efficiency and quality, and provide regular reporting to senior leadership.
Project Management: Manage or support key R&D projects with a focus on lean execution, resource optimization, and risk management.
Innovation Support: Enable faster innovation cycles and scalable flavour development by refining processes, lab operations, and project workflows.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Product Development, Regulatory, Quality Assurance, Marketing, and Manufacturing teams to align R&D objectives with overall business goals.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in technical (Food/Chemistry, Engineering) or business discipline
3+ years of experience in R&D, preferably within the flavour, food, beverage, or ingredients industry.
Proven experience applying lean principles in R&D or innovation environments
Strong understanding of product development cycles, especially in a flavour or food tech context.

Preferred Qualifications

Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Experience with agile work and modern documentation tools (Confluence)
Comfortable with data-driven decision-making and project management tools (e.g., Power BI, Jira).

Why you'll love working here

Exciting tasks in an internationally operating, growing family business with flat hierarchies
Flexible working hours and home office options
4 weeks remote work from other EU countries
30 days paid vacation per year
Salary bands for a fair corporate culture
Monthly allowance of €50 for your BAV
Annual 360° feedback loops with clear promotion criteria and an individual career path
Responsibility from day one in a company that encourages personal responsibility and growth
Relocation costs can be reimbursed on a pro rata basis
Regular company events such as summer party, Christmas party
Paid team dinners or activities for each team twice a year
Free parking right outside the door
Perks and benefits: JobRad, subsidized lunch, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket, free language courses and discounted memberships at several gyms and for the Wellpass
Fresh fruit, free drinks and snacks in the office

About us

At Arethia, we fuse our long-standing reputation with a continual push for progress. A rapidly expanding player in the flavour industry, Arethia specialises in delivering innovative taste solutions and co-creating products that consumers love. For more than 70 years, Arethia has been known for its close collaboration with customers and the highest quality standards. With over 250 employees spread across Germany, Switzerland, Dubai, and Indonesia, we aim to shape the future of flavours with a culture that values agility, transparency, and talent.

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R&D Lean Manager (m/f/d)