Chief Technology Officer

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organisation of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) will be responsible for leading the technology vision, strategy, and execution for LDC in its Health Ingredients food division. This pivotal role involves participating in the development of the corporate strategy, applying technological and functional expertise, and contributing innovative ideas to support the strategic formation process.

The CTO will anticipate industry mega-trends, lead significant business functions, and develop relationships with board members to identify and successfully drive strategic challenges.

Strategic Development and Contribution:

• Participate in the development of the corporate strategy, applying functional expertise to test the viability of strategic initiatives.
• Contribute creative ideas and insights to support the strategy formation process.
• Lead the development and implementation of the technology strategy for significant business areas, ensuring alignment with the overall corporate strategy.
• Anticipate and address mega-trends and complex challenges and opportunities within the technology landscape.

Technology Leadership:

• Lead the Health Ingredients Food technology, science, and/or application initiatives that are of strategic importance to several business units.
• Drive progress in technological fields, ensuring innovative solutions and advancements.
• Oversee the implementation of technology initiatives, ensuring they meet organizational goals and deliver value.

Relationship Management:

• Develop and improve relationships with board members, identifying priorities, issues, and strategic challenges.
• Prepare board members for discussions on technological and strategic issues, providing insights and recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the integration of technology strategy with wider corporate goals.

Operational Excellence:

• Ensure that technology operations are aligned with the organization’s business objectives.
• Oversee the development and management of the technology budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions and investments.
• Implement best practices in technology management and operations to drive efficiency and effectiveness.

Innovation and Trends:

• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices.
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies and methodologies that can enhance the organization’s competitive edge.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the technology teams.

Experience

• Proven experience in a senior technology leadership role with health ingredients specialism, preferably in a CTO or Managing Director role
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and execution likely gained over 12+ years.
• Experience working with EMEA and global customers with focus on proactively solving customer problems and providing innovative solutions to customer needs.
• Depth and breadth of expertise in Health Ingredients Food technology and science environment.
• Excellent understanding of industry trends, mega-trends, and complex technological challenges.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with experience working with board members and senior executives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Other skills (Computer Skills, etc)

• Strategic Thinking, Innovation and Creativity with Technological Expertise
• Relationship Management, Leadership and Team Management
• Business Acumen and strong Communication Skills

Languages:

• English and German (Essential)
• Additional languages beneficial

Academics

• Bachelor's degree in Food Sciences, Food Engineering, or a related Advanced Sciences field; advanced Masters degree preferred but not essential

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards

Diversity is part of our DNA. LDC strives to create a diverse and inclusive work environment where people can thrive regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity or background.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us

Additional Information for the job

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits​​​​​​
• Hybrid work available (not applicable to all roles)
• Pension contributions
• Access to Training and Development 

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA.

LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.