Director, Head of Software & AI

Company Description

TOMRA Food is a multinational organisation and a leading provider of sensor-based sorting, peeling and integrated post-harvest solution for the food industries. Transforming global food production to maximise food safety and minimise food loss by making sure Every Resource Counts™, has been our strength for over 50 years. 

At TOMRA, we want people to innovate, show passion in their work and be responsible. We encourage the freedom to innovate and take risks that result in breakthroughs that challenge the status quo. We value passion that focuses and commits to meeting success. We believe in a responsible, inclusive and safe mindset that takes care of our customers, products, and fellow employees. 

Join the resource revolution! 

Job Description

The Director of Software and AI will oversee the team responsible for software and AI development at TOMRA Food, managing a group of 50+ professionals and reporting to the VP of R&D.

Scope of this position includes:  

• The complete software stack for TOMRA Food.  
• All aspects of AI for TOMRA Food including development, management and implementation of classification models and tools to maintain them.  

This role will ensure all development aligns with and adapts to the evolving needs and expectations of our customers.

Role and Responsibilities:

Team Leadership: 

• Embed intimate customer knowledge throughout the software and AI team. 
• Ensure an efficient development process. 
• Optimise resource allocation for efficiency. 
• Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment beyond the software and AI team. 
• Provide training and professional development opportunities for the software and AI team to enhance their skills and knowledge. 

Continuous Improvement & Innovation:

• Plan, direct, coordinate, and manage the processes of writing and developing the software programs.  
• Ensure appropriate procedures and processes are followed when it comes to software development.  
• Establish a process for ongoing evaluation of software & AI technologies and solutions, always seeking opportunities for continuous improvement. 
• Implement new software and AI development methodologies.  
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies and best practices to recommend innovative solutions. 
• Incorporate new technologies within the context of software and AI technology. 

Communication and Collaboration: 

• ​Cultivate effective communication channels with other engineering teams, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing to ensure cross-functional synergy. 
• Take the lead in maintaining connections with the Software and AI teams at TOMRA Food in other regions. Ensure the reuse of technology, processes, and tools whenever possible. 
• Maintain an open and regular dialogue with the product management team, ensuring a clear understanding of product goals and requirements to align software development efforts accordingly. 
• Establish strong communication links with regional business units, facilitating a seamless exchange of information and insights to adapt software strategies to meet regional market needs and enhance overall business alignment.​ 

Health & Safety:  

• Promote a “Safety first” culture throughout the company, our customers, and our industry. 
• Ensure adherence to safety and quality across all facets of our operation and customer delivery. 
• Ensure the team works within agreed operating models, and ensure all decisions are made within agreed authority limits.
• Ensure compliance with agreed processes / procedures, controls and address quality and assurance outcomes as required. 
• Identify, implement and embed any Excellence initiatives to improve quality, performance and efficiency of the team to facilitate outstanding customer experience.

Qualifications

About You:

Leading Self: 

• 10 years of experience, preferably in the industry automation, machinery, or engineering sectors 
• Relevant tertiary qualification such as a Computer Science degree or similar 
• Demonstrated experience in a technical leadership role (ideally in a company with mid-high-level volume production of electronic or mechanical assemblies) 
• Strong technical ability in a senior software development role with proven experience in developing cross functional products for global manufacturing  
• Solid experience in the management of high-tech system developments, both on a project and technical level  
• Fluent in spoken and written English; proficiency in other EMEA languages is a plus
• Pragmatic, flexible and stress resistant  
• Solution oriented, proactive, service oriented, customer oriented  
• Prepared to travel on a regular basis both to other TOMRA sites or customers’ sites, both domestic and abroad 

Leading the Business: 

• Proven experience in leading R&D teams (30+ direct & indirect reports) and driving innovation in a similar industry 
• Deep understanding of technological trends and the ability to apply them to business needs 
• Strong project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to meet project deadlines and budgets 
• Strong leadership and strategic thinking abilities 
• Knowledge of intellectual property laws and regulations 

Leading Others:

• Proven ability to create high-performing teams and lead them to success 
• Skilled in developing team members and fostering a culture of continuous learning 
• Proficiency in promoting teamwork and resolving conflicts within the team and across departments 
• Ability to empower and delegate appropriately, fostering autonomy and accountability within the team 

Additional Information

Why Work for Us: 

You will have long-term career opportunities, with a globally renowned company and the following: 

• Hybrid working policy 
• Hospitalisation insurance with dental care for you and your family 
• Group insurance (life, retirement, disability) 
• Bike lease 
• Access to our share purchase program 
• Bonus on personal and company performance, meal vouchers, eco-cheque 
• Laptop & mobile
• Company car & fuel card
• Be part of a mission to transform how we all obtain, use, and reuse the planet’s resources to enable a world without waste 
• Inclusive company culture that values diversity, well-being, and strong camaraderie among our teammates 
• Global career opportunities with a strong record for promoting internally 
• Professional training and development: We are passionate about people and seeing them succeed 
• We love innovation, a collaborative environment where idea sharing and being creative is encouraged 

How to Apply:

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you! All applications will be managed in the strictest confidence.  

TOMRA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, parental or pregnancy status, marriage and civil partnership, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristics. Reasonable accommodations will be made and will be provided as requested by candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.