Specialised Nutrition Research & Innovation Adult Explo & New Growth Space Director

Research & Innovation

Within this role you will be responsible for driving the execution of the Adult strategy and pipeline of transformational innovations, by leveraging Science, Techno and user experience assets, while anchoring in local consumer and market insights and trends. You will lead and execute targeted Exploration projects to maintain and grow our competitive edge.

This extends to being a key contributor to realise our intentional growth ambition for Adult with sustainable and competitive growth.

Danone Nutricia Research builds bridges between science and food. Our Research Centre for Specialized Nutrition, located in the Utrecht Science Park in the Netherlands, is a state of the art Life Science innovation center for the development of new product concepts and the on-going improvement of our existing range for Specialized Nutrition (SN).

By bringing together employees from different backgrounds, with complementary scientific and technological expertise, we have been able to build a creative, high-spirit powerhouse to spur our innovation. With over 600 employees, we create evidence based formulas that provide clinically substantiated health benefits to vulnerable consumers - infants, toddlers, elderly and patients.

Strategize the local consumer, competitor & regulatory insights & foresights and the science & technological assets to create a winning portfolio of transformational innovations, including relevant claims, benefits and product attributes.

• Move from pipeline of transformational innovations to drive net sales improvement
• Lead R&I Exploration and co-build the strategy of the Adult Category.
• Strategic R&I lead to new growth spaces

• Drive a portfolio of targeted Exploration projects to maintain and grow competitive edge of the company
• Capability building: build portfolio of biotics and compact protein engine across all formats

Regarded as high in managerial complexity as you will:

• Play a key role in delivering on Adult Growth (seed for the future) through need based Explo portfolio and translation into Ideation projects
• Prepare for Breakthrough Innovation & Growth Space
• Lead market entry and geographical expansion
• Lead and engage senior leaders and experts
• Collaborate with external partners
• Partner with Medical and Nutritional Science and Advanced Technology (internal functions) to strengthen explo pipeline and effectiveness of landing engines in product matrix

About you

We are looking for a proven leader in R&D/R&I that has worked in a comparable business or sector where science and consumer centricity shapes actions and is instrumental in the business's success.

• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills to navigate complex organizational landscapes.
• Highly collaborative with the ability to work effectively with multiple teams and cultures, and to engage and challenge higher business stakeholders.
• Innovative and proactive in problem-solving and solution implementation.
• Strategic mindset and the ability to see the big picture.
• Strong getting things done mentality and strong networker OR - strong collaborative and partnering mindset & business savviness.
• Forward and strategic thinker to influence user-centric design.
• Ability to influence stakeholders across seniority levels, to attract, mentor, and inspire talents.
• Strength to challenge the status quo, strive for continuous improvement.
• Scientific and Food technology background
• Familiarity in intellectual property management, project management, and collaboration with external partners
• (Master's or Ph.D.) in Food Science, Nutrition, Biochemestry, Chemical Eng, or a related field.

About Danone

At Danone, we are working to make sure that our brands, like Nutricia and Nutrilon, create real benefits for people, communities and the planet. If you join Danone, you will be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps in the world.

All Danoners receive a complete package of benefits. This includes a competitive salary and yearly bonus, a premium free pension, 30 days of annual leave (with the opportunity to purchase more) and a monthly health care allowance. In addition, you can get discount on your gym membership, and we offer initiatives focused on nutrition, physical, and mental health. We provide continuous learning opportunities through workshops, online courses and training sessions.