Global Head of Coffee R&D

About the role

Nespresso is looking for a Global Head of Coffee R&D based in Romont and Vevey, Switzerland, working on site and full time. The role defines the future of premium coffee, combining end-to-end expertise from origin and green coffee transformation to the final consumer experience, and leads a multidisciplinary Coffee and Sensory organisation across B2C and B2B platforms.

Key responsibilities

• Set the global Coffee R&D vision and strategy, turning it into technology roadmaps, investment priorities and portfolio choices.
• Mobilise the full Nestlé coffee R&D network, from plant science and transformation to roasting and sensory.
• Shape the coffee innovation portfolio across Nespresso's B2C and B2B platforms, deciding on value, risk, quality, investment and speed.
• Act as the voice of the consumer coffee experience in end-to-end decisions, defining the principles of coffee and sensory excellence.
• Forge strategic partnerships that accelerate scientific breakthroughs.
• Build and lead a world-class multidisciplinary Coffee and Sensory organisation.
• Embed coffee excellence throughout Nespresso and represent it externally to colleagues, boutiques, industry, academia, media and thought leaders.

Required profile

• Demonstrated end-to-end expertise in coffee R&D, covering origin, green coffee, transformation, roasting, extraction, sensory science and product experience, with multiple leadership roles in coffee and FMCG.
• Visionary and strategic thinking, able to connect emerging science, consumer needs and business opportunities.
• A strong record of turning science and technology into premium experiences and scalable commercial outcomes.
• Ability to lead specialists through purpose, trust and clarity, without micromanagement.
• Enterprise influence, excellent communication and fluency in English, able to influence senior stakeholders.
• Commercial courage to prioritise investment, challenge established thinking and manage trade-offs.